Hope Alaska: A Jewel in Alaska's Recreational Crown
Camping & Outdoor Recreation
Literally at the end of the road on the beautiful southern shore of Turnagain Arm lies Hope, Alaska. Founded in the late 1890's after gold was discovered on nearby Resurrection Creek, Hope is a charming window to the past and a favorite playground for Alaskans.
There are no WalMart's, no 7-11's and no Golden Arches. What they do have an abundance of, however, is natural beauty. The 17 mile Hope Highway winds through towering spruce and stands of birch and aspen giving visitors spectacular views of the Chugach Mountains and the blueish gray waters of Turnagain Arm.
Pull-outs are plentiful and believe me you'll want to stop at every one. It took us more than an hour and a half to make the drive to Hope from the Seward Highway cutoff.
Although a large portion of the nearby community of Sunrise was destroyed by the 1964 Good Friday earthquake, several buildings original to Hope City remain. Built in 1902, the Social Hall remains the heart of the community. The first day we arrived a town potluck was in full swing with locals and visitors alike joining in the festivities. The original 1938 school house is now the town museum and should be one of your first stops.
Where to stay
No hotels means you're probably staying in an RV or tent. A small campground (parking lot) can be found at the end of Main Street. For those looking for full hookups this is your only option. If you're in a tent or don't need hookups, Porcupine State Campground can be found a mile past Hope proper. While Porcupine is a primitive campground (i.e. no hookups) it is a breathtaking slice of paradise. Sites 1 through 11 offer unobstructed views of Turnagain Arm. Porcupine is even big rig friendly with most spaces able to accommodate up to a 40' coach and several allowing room for a 45' coach plus your toad. Site #2 is our favorite (140' pull through with amazing views) Advance reservations are highly recommended as it fills up fast in the summer.
What to see and do
Fishing: The Hope Pink Salmon Derby runs from mid July to Mid August. Sixmile and Resurrection creeks are both great spots for trying your hand at landing pink, silver and chum salmon.
Hiking/Mountain Biking: Gull Rock and Hope Point trails both begin at Porcupine Campground. Gull Rock is a relatively easy 5 mile trail that follows Turnagain Arm. Hope Point, at 2.5 miles, is a serious workout. It's been said you'll need to be part mountain goat to make it to the top of Mt. Hope (3,900') and I wholeheartedly agree with that. For those looking for a multiple day hike, Resurrection Creek Trail is a 38 mile hike through forested hills and alpine meadows over the mountain to Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway.
Whitewater Rafting: Billed as one of the best whitewater rafting trips in the North America, NOVA River Runners offers 3 hour Class IV and a 4.5 hour Class V rafting trips. There are three steep canyons with narrow routes, steep drops, beautiful pools, and hang-onto-your-shorts rapids all in a gorgeous semi-rain forest. Operating under a permit from the US Forest Service, NOVA has been running these rapids for more than 25 years.
Gold Mining: It put Hope on the map, and as they say, there's gold in them thar hills. Records indicate that between the late 1880's and 1906 more than $1,000,000 in gold was mined from the area. Bring your gold pans or suction dredges (up to 4" with a permit from AK Fish & Game) and try your hand at mining.
Wildlife Viewing: In the few days we were there this year, we saw a handful of moose, several black bears, fox, ptarmigan and loads of ground squirrels. Just a reminder: Moose look slow and dumb, but they are agile and can run faster than you can. Porcupine Campground has been home to several black bears who are not the least bit afraid of you. Please use caution.
Photography: Granted, I consider all of Alaska a photographers paradise but it's hard to take a bad picture here (and yet thanks to a sensor that needed cleaning I managed to do just that).
Hope Alaska in Photo's
Downtown Hope, Alaska
Views of Turnagain Arm from Porcupine Campground
Discovery Cafe & Turnagain Arm @ Low Tide
The next time you're looking for a gorgeous area to explore or just somwhere peaceful to rejuvenate mind, body and soul, consider a trip to Hope, Alaska. It's certainly on our 'favorite places' list.
Jesse, It has been several years since I have been there. But you are right about the raw, naked beauty of the area...
Helping you live your American dream...
Jesse & Kathy. This is a vacation spot that I would actually take time off to visit. The closest thing I've seen to these beautiful spots is Montana/Wyoming. Maybe some day.
This post is an example of what a Localism post should be.
I love the mountains and Hope is a Hope of mine to visit one day. .
Good morning my friend,
This is a nice look at Hope, AK. I know what you are trying to do and that is make me jealous cause I didn't make it this year as planned.
Just keep the photos coming. :-))
Hope is obviously only one of the many beautiful Alaska vacation spots
Jesse,
What a great Localism post! We have friends on the Kenai peninsula, but haven't visited for more than five years. It's time to get back there. Thanks for the memories.
Mike in Tucson
Wow, no hotels! That means they want serious vistors only! ;-) What a wonderful and inviting post.
Jesse, your photos just blow me away, what a great place to go. And a perfect example of an awesome localism post. You always draw me in and reaffirm my desire to visit Alaska!
Jesse:
This is a well-written post with fabulous photos. Many people are attracted to such raw beauty as this. This showcases your area so well.
Thanks...I have always wanted to vaction there and you may just have given me the impetus to do so...it is so nice to get these kinds of recommendations from AR friends out there to know just waht to do an d see!
Jesse,
Wow, what a wonderful post. Reading it as a poem. Plus your photos.
What is happening with our cameras? You had a problem, mine started giving me troubles with autofocus. Guess they are retiring?
Hi Jesse - Thanks for a glimpse in to the world of Hope, Alaska. I, too, Hope to visit there one day.
How awesome is that? My dreams????? One would be to get up there. Great post, awesome pictures and I'd love to camp up there.
Thanks for sharing this lovely place to live with us. Wow, the pics are just amazing.
Very informative blog post. Thanks for the information. I am sure it will be useful to me down the road.
Great localism post and congrats on the feature. We were in Homer two years ago and have visited other cities in Alaska...all of breathtaking with the peaceful beautiful scenery...untouched by man.
Jesse - That is a fantastic itinerary that you have mapped out! The natural beauty in your area ALWAYS leaves me speechlees - you are so lucky to see that EVERY day!
Jesse...this looks amazing. I have not made it to Alaska yet but it is on my list of things to do. I love camping so this looks like a perfect spot!
You mean Bullwinkle is faster than Rocky? You have shattered my misguided notions about moose.
Jesse, you and Lisa are the best localism writers I know here on AR. As always, just love the photos. They make me want to be there now. (Especially since it's about as gray and rainy as you can get here today).
Jesse...as you know I visitd your grand state this summer and you make me want to go back. Where is Hope compared to Fairbanks?
Jesse - I LOVE the pictures you used. The colors are beautiful! I need to visit....someday.
I've always wanted to go there to spend at least a month the pics and story only make me want to go more. Thanks for sharing
Well, I think the photos are beautiful and aside from all of that sleeping in tents and the wildlife I might encounter, it sounds like the perfect vacation. The no hotels may be a bit of a problem for this city girl. xxoo
Looks beautiful. Your clients will be pleased with such an informative article.
Jesse,
A well deserved feature on this excllent Localism post.
The beauty of this place is awesome. I need to get up there sometime soon. Ilove hiking and have been doing so for many years now. Keeps one young, healthy and happy.
Brilliant photos of nature Jesse. And I thought Hope was just that place in Arkansas.
Gary, I was thinking of our dear President Clinton as well. I was born in a little town called Hope!
Hi again Jesse!
Jesse, it is very beautiful! Great photos!
GOOD NEWS FROM HOPE,ALASKA , THERE ARE A FEW PLACES TO RENT IN HOPE, THE MOTEL UPSTAIRS AT THE DUCHA GROCERY STORE, BEAR CREEK LODGE CABINS, THE DISCOVERY CABINS, THE WISDORFS ON RESURRECTION CREEK ROAD,BLACK BEAR BED AND BREAKFAST AND THE MARTINEZ HOUSE ON PORCUPINE LANE ACCROSS THE STREET FROM THE BLACK BEAR BED AND BREAKFAST OFF OF RESURRECTION CREEK ROAD, VERY MODERN WITH INDOOR SHOWER/BATH, 30 FOOT SCREENED PORCH,TO KEEP THE BUGS AT BAY AND LOTS OF SLEEPING AREA,CAN SLEEP UP TO 12 PERSONS,AND FULL KITCHEN,FREEZERS AND FRIDGES,POKEMAN ROOM FOR THE KIDS PLUS OUTDOOR FIRE-PIT
PHONE IN ANCHORAGE 1-907-345-0672
PHONE AT HOPE 1-907-782-1121
FREE DIRECTIONS TO THE GREATEST FISHING IN ALASKA