Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site
Alaska’s Ancient Rock Art — Up to 8,000-Year-Old Tlingit Petroglyphs, Southeast Alaska’s Highest Concentration, Boardwalk Viewing Deck, Rubbing Replicas in Wrangell
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site is a state historic site in Wrangell, Alaska, located approximately one mile north of downtown near the ferry terminal. The site features the highest concentration of petroglyphs in Southeast Alaska — ancient rock carvings up to 8,000 years old believed to be the work of the Tlingit people — including depictions of whales, salmon, and faces, an accessible boardwalk with viewing deck overlooking the Stikine River and Zimovia Strait, rubbing replicas for hands-on interaction, and interpretive displays.
Petroglyph Beach holds Southeast Alaska’s densest collection of ancient rock carvings — petroglyphs up to 8,000 years old etched into dark gray metamorphic rock along the tidal zone. Believed to be the work of Tlingit ancestors, the carvings depict orcas, salmon, human faces, and symbolic designs. Their meanings remain debated — theories include fishing site markers, territorial claims, and ceremonial records. An accessible boardwalk leads to a viewing deck overlooking the beach, the Stikine River, and Zimovia Strait. Rubbing replicas on the deck allow visitors to make their own petroglyph impressions without touching the originals. Never touch or rub the original petroglyphs — contact accelerates their deterioration.
Things to Do
Petroglyph Viewing
- Ancient rock carvings — up to 8,000 years old
- Orca, salmon, face depictions
- Highest concentration in SE Alaska
- Boardwalk + viewing deck
Interactive
- Rubbing replicas on viewing deck
- Interpretive displays
Scenic
- Stikine River views
- Zimovia Strait panorama
- Tidal beach walks
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | ~1 mile N of downtown Wrangell, off Evergreen Ave |
| Petroglyphs | Highest concentration in SE Alaska — up to 8,000 years old |
| Culture | Tlingit people |
| Depictions | Orcas, salmon, faces, symbolic designs |
| Boardwalk | Accessible — viewing deck overlooks beach |
| Replicas | Rubbing replicas on deck for hands-on interaction |
| Best Access | LOW TIDE — rocks exposed |
| Nearby | ~0.5 mi from ferry terminal |
| Fees | FREE |
| Coordinates | 56.4750° N, 132.3700° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Longest days; cruise/ferry access; calm seas; wildlife; combine with Stikine River | Rain possible (SE AK); check tide tables for low tide access |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Fewer visitors; dramatic skies; salmon runs; fall light | More rain; shorter days; check ferry schedule |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Wildlife return; whale watching; quiet; spring tides | Cool; wet; limited visitor services |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | Solitude; storm watching; northern lights possible | Very wet; cold; short days; limited access |
Visitor Tips
- LOW TIDE: Visit at low tide for the best access to the petroglyph rocks — check Wrangell tide tables before going.
- DON’T TOUCH originals: Never touch or make rubbings of the original petroglyphs — use the rubbing replicas on the viewing deck instead.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, waterproof footwear — the beach is rocky and slippery.
- Ferry stop: The site is ~0.5 miles from the ferry terminal — ideal for a quick visit during an Alaska Marine Highway layover.
- 8,000 years: These are among the oldest known rock art in the Pacific Northwest — a living connection to Tlingit ancestral heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old are the petroglyphs at Wrangell Alaska?
The petroglyphs at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site in Wrangell, Alaska, are estimated to be up to 8,000 years old. They represent the highest concentration of rock carvings in Southeast Alaska and are believed to be the work of the Tlingit people. Depictions include orcas, salmon, and faces. The site features an accessible boardwalk with viewing deck and rubbing replicas. Visitors should come at low tide for best access and never touch the originals. The site is free and located about one mile north of downtown Wrangell.
Last updated: May 2026
