🏆🏆 Wrangell Marine — Sheltered marine park near Wrangell in the Stikine River delta
Thoms Place State Marine Park provides anchorage and beach camping near Wrangell in the Stikine River delta region. The Stikine River — one of the great undammed rivers of North America — creates a vast delta teeming with wildlife. The marine park provides access to excellent fishing, bird watching (especially during spring shorebird migration), and the historic Tlingit town of Wrangell.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Near Wrangell, AK (Stikine River delta) |
| Access | Boat from Wrangell |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| River | Stikine River (undammed) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Stikine River?
The Stikine is one of the last great undammed rivers in North America, flowing 330 miles from British Columbia to the sea near Wrangell. Spring migration brings millions of shorebirds to the delta — one of the most important staging areas on the Pacific Flyway.
How old are the Wrangell petroglyphs?
Wrangell’s Petroglyph Beach contains rock carvings estimated at 8,000+ years old — among the oldest evidence of human habitation in Southeast Alaska. The Tlingit people have inhabited this area for thousands of years.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Joe Mace Island State Marine Park (a short drive away) or Beecher Pass State Marine Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐦 Visit Thoms Place SMP
Stikine River delta — undammed wilderness river and Pacific Flyway birding near Wrangell.
About Thoms Place
Thoms Place State Marine Park near Wrangell in Southeast Alaska protects a sheltered cove and beach on the Inside Passage. The park provides camping and anchorage amid the ancient Tlingit homeland. The surrounding old-growth Tongass National Forest is the largest temperate rainforest in the world.
Things to Do
Camping in the temperate rainforest, boater anchorage, fishing for salmon and halibut, kayaking, wildlife viewing (bears, eagles, whales), and exploring the world’s largest temperate rainforest. Access by boat from Wrangell.
Insider Tips
Wrangell area: Thoms Place is accessible from Wrangell — one of Southeast Alaska’s most authentic and least touristed towns. Pro tip: Wrangell’s Petroglyph Beach has ancient rock carvings (8,000+ years old) — you can make rubbings with paper and crayon. Anan Bear Observatory: Book a permit for the nearby Anan Creek bear observatory — one of the best bear viewing sites in Alaska.
Best Time to Visit
July-August: Bear viewing at Anan Creek peaks. June: King salmon fishing. May: Shorebird migration. September: Silver salmon and fall colors.
Park Location
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