136PETERSBURG
The charming town of Petersburg lies at the northern end of Wrangell
Narrows, on the tip of Mitkof Island. This busy town of 3,000 people is more
coneerned with fishing and lumbering than with tourists. This refreshing
attitude is reflected in the prosperity of the people, the expanded boat
harbors, and in the number of large seiners and fishboats. The Norwegian
heritage of many of the inhabitants is eelebrated each May 17,(Norwegian
Independence Day) during the annual "Li t tle Non.ay Festival." Other signs of
this pride are seen in the rosemaling on buiIding fronts and the replica of a
Viking vessel in the harbor.
There are three major boat harbors in Petersburg, but the main transient
accommodation is'the northernmost, between the ~nitney-Fidalgo Seafoods pier
and the Petersburg Fisheries Cannery docks. The harbormaster's office is at
the head of the dock, where everyone is helpful and friendly. A reasonable
mooring charge is assessed, and depending on one's location, eleetrical power
may be available. Water is at the tap on the transient dock. If one's vesse1
is over 50 feet, a calI to the Harbormaster will al10w him to accommodate one
at the larger berths in the southern harbors if any of the resident seiners are
away. He may be reached via VHF Ch. 16 or CB Ch.9.
In the same buiIding as the harbormaster's office are restrooms and a 1arge
coin-operated stainless steel shower. Although it often has a Queue when the
fishing boats come in, it's worth the wait! Adjacent to the showers is the
Visitor Center where maps and guides can be obtained. A grid is just below the
walkway. Garbage and waste oil di sposaI faeiIities are nearby.
Main Street 1s half a bIoek from the dock. There are t~o major grocery and
hardware stores, The Trading Union and Hammer & Wikan. Also within walking
distance is a hospital, post offiee and an intriguing little museum.
If one i5 on a budget there is open mooring at the West Petersburg Public
Float, across Wrangell Narro ... ·s in the community of Kupreanof. Note that there
i5 no public tran5portation back and forth to Petersburg.The weather 15 dominated by rain, there being ao annual average of 106
inches. Heavy weather gear and boots are right in style for every day wear in
Petersburg. In faet when one hears the rain pounding on the deck you will
likely hear the 10ea1 radio announcer cheerfully reporting. "Today we'll have a
few sprinkles!"Upon exiting the Narrows from Petersburg one enters Frederick Sound. The
spectacular mountain view behind Petersburg is highlighted by the granite rock
pinnaele of the Devil'~ Thumb. Just 25 miles southeast is Le Conte Glacier,
the southernmost tidewater glacier. It is well worth visiting, but shoaling at
the entrance to the bay makes entry difficult without 10ca1 information. Ice-
bergs from the glaeier can often be seen in Frederick Sound.