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Prince William Sound, AK – Volunteer Vacation 2024

June 23 @ 5:00 pm - June 29 @ 10:00 am

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Help expand  trail access while being surrounded by the Gulf of Alaska and Chugach National Forest! Spend time exploring Alaska’s Prince William Sound with its 10,000 square miles of protected waterways, islands, fjords, and around 150 glaciers. This beautiful area is home to over 200 migratory birds, 30 species of land animals, and diverse marine life including orca whales, sea otters and seals. 

Volunteers will repair and extend the existing trail with rock and gravel, while brushing out and clearing overgrown sections of trail with loppers and root pullers. The worksite can be accessed on foot from the camping area and is roughly 1 mile each way over varied terrain. The trail moves along creeks and through low land alders up into the classic conifers of the temperate rainforest. The trail is not difficult, but will have steady elevation gain of around 500 feet over 1 mile and features rock/gravel and some roots and r muddy sections.

During this trip, Prince William Sound’s average high temperature is 54°, and average low temperature is 44°.

There is no experience needed to join a Volunteer Vacation! Your expert hosts will provide detailed instruction, tool demonstrations, and project oversight throughout the week. All you need is a willing attitude and to be in good physical condition to participate in moderate physical activity for approximately 6-8 hours a day with plenty of breaks, at your own pace. Find out more about what it’s like to join a Volunteer Vacation and other frequently asked questions here.

AHS acknowledges with gratitude that this project takes place on the traditional lands of the Alutiiq (Sugpiaq), and Dënéndeh peoples past and present. We honor the land itself, the Indigenous communities who have stewarded this land for generations, their deep and sacred connection to these lands, and those who continue to steward these lands today. We offer this land acknowledgement as the first of many steps to stand as an ally and amplify Indigenous voices. We invite the American Hiking Society community to join us through continued efforts to support Indigenous communities and learn more about the history of the lands on which we live, work and recreate.

Click here for a PDF of trip details.

Register

Host

Whittier Parks & Recreation

Accommodations

Primitive Tent Sites

Hiking/Access

The worksite can be accessed on foot from the camping area and is roughly 1 mile each way over varied terrain. The trail is not difficult, but will have steady elevation gain of around 500 feet and features rock/gravel and some roots or muddy sections.

Project Rating

Difficult

Minimum Volunteer Age

18

Maximum Group Size

15

Area and Attractions

About 1.5 hours south of Anchorage, Whittier is the Gateway to Prince William Sound and can only be accessed by a 2.5 mile, one way tunnel at certain times during the day. Known as "The City Under One Roof" with a year round resident base of around 220 people, there are tons of recreational options. World class fishing charters, wildlife and glacier tours, kayaking/paddle boarding, jet skiing to glaciers, hiking, bike rentals, beach access, and unique history are all reasons why many come to explore this coastal community nestled along the shore of Passage Canal and the rainforest of the Chugach Mountains. In the summer, there are also a handful of dining options, a historic bar, and a coffee shop available to visitors and within walking distance of the campsite and trailhead.

Accommodations Description

Volunteers will have access to primitive campsites and an additional full service kitchen at the City building. Whittier is located in a rainforest, so appropriate tent flies, rain gear, and warm sleeping bags are necessary. There are shared porta-potties and showers available near the harbor. Volunteers will need to bring their personal camping gear, bedding, towels, and toiletries. It will NOT get dark, so sleep masks/a tarp for tents would be beneficial.

Travel

Ted Stevens International Airport in Anchorage, Alaska is the only major airport. Airport pick up and drop off is not available for volunteers, however carpooling and rideshare can be arranged upon confirmation of the trip. You can find additional information on how to arrive at Prince William Sound at Alaska.org. The Whittier Tunnel closes at night, and since it is one way, it only opens in 1 direction at certain times of the day.

Location

Prince William Sound
660 Whittier St., Whittier, AK 99693 United States + Google Map