© UNALASKA VISITORS BUREAU / Photos by John Kreye
Windswept volcanic peaks surrounded by the sea, green valleys dotted with vibrant colours of wildflowers…the island of Unalaska awaits you.
A little quieter, a little less hurried, and a lot less like the rest of the world, Unalaska/Dutch Harbor is full of opportunities to adventure and explore. Located on the Aleutian Chain, approximately 800 miles southwest of Anchorage, it’s a place where culture and commerce have co-existed since the mid-1700s and where World War II left an indelible mark on the land and its people. With Quonset huts, barracks, and more, history buffs will find Unalaska to be a unique opportunity to see the pieces of history left behind after so many years. The Unalaska Visitors Bureau has a host of information about the region’s rich and diverse history along with must-see sites for visitors.
In a community filled with so much beauty, it stands to reason that outdoor activities are one of the many joys of visiting Unalaska. From hiking to biking to boating, Unalaska boasts a natural abundance that can’t be missed. Nature lovers will find that the region is the perfect space for bird and whale watching. A leisurely walk around town or a hike along the coast will take you on an adventure through varied habitats of a vast range of birds—an estimated 40 million seabirds nest throughout the Aleutians.
The Aleutian Islands are also home to a thriving marine ecosystem filled with over 450 species of fish and invertebrates, drawing in a host of charismatic marine mammals. Sea otters, sea lions, and harbour seals are frequently seen from the shore, and in the summer, humpback whales and harbour porpoises visit the bays.
Who could forget the volcanos? At 5,906 feet, the Makushin volcano is the highest point on Unalaska Island and is 16 miles from town. Thirty-five miles to the northwest lies Bogoslof Island, home to the largest group of small, low-lying islands that comprise the summit of a submarine stratovolcano, rising about 6,000 feet from the seafloor and is home to thousands of seabirds and marine mammals during quiet phases.
Summer is the ideal time to go hiking in the Aleutians. With no bears, few bugs, and readily accessible recreation areas, you can embark on the wilderness adventure of your dreams. The hiking trails along the near-treeless tundra allow for breathtaking views and a sense of wonder that one gets when taking in the vistas of the rugged Aleutian landscape. Curious explorers will love the historic Ugadaga Trail leading down to Beaver Inlet. Hiking up Bunker Hill will provide you with a 360 degree view of Captain’s Bay, Unalaska Bay, and Dutch Harbor above town. Many trails provide access to WWII remains and fields of wildflowers.
Fishing enthusiasts will find their home on a boat charter or walking through the harbours. Home to the international Port of Dutch Harbor, the City of Unalaska is one of the busiest and most prosperous stretches of coastline in Alaska, renowned as the number one commercial fishing port in the nation.
Whether you’re flying in, setting out on the State Marine Highway by ferry, visiting us on a cruise ship, coming here on business, or just looking for a unique get away, adventure awaits you in the Heart of the Aleutians.
Plan your adventure at unalaska.org
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The Unalaska/Port of Dutch Harbor Convention and Visitors Bureau is established to promote and encourage tourism and to support the development and sustainability of tourism infrastructure in the Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Region.
