hope

Hope is reached by a scenic 16-mile side road from mile 56 of the Seward Highway. It was one of Alaska’s first gold rush towns. In 1889, before gold was found in either Dawson City or Nome, a man named King discovered gold in Resurrection Creek and prospectors rushed to stake their claims. Miners discovered gold nearby in Sixmile Creek and the new tent community swelled to 3,000 people long before Anchorage existed.

In 1889, a group of gold miners were searching for a name to call their fast growing community. It was agreed that the town would be named for the next person to step off one of the boats shuttling newcomers to the area. Along came young Percy Hope and an Alaskan town was born. Some of the buildings still standing in Hope were built during the gold rush.

Take the time to wander around the charming historic district and you will find a hundred year old bar, which is still open for business, a museum chronicling the life of early settlers, an art gallery, and restaurants. The people of Hope are happy to welcome you to their unhurried community and way of life.

Hope has plenty of activities to please the outdoor enthusiast including hiking, camping and whitewater rafting.

Porcupine Campground has dry camping for RV’s and tents as well as water, toilets and firewood. Excellent hiking and mountain biking on Gull Rock Trail along the shore of Turnagain Arm. Located at the end of the Hope Road, just past town.

Chugach Outdoor Center, on Sixmile Creek near Hope, offers one of the best whitewater trips in Alaska. Dropping over 50 feet per mile, the Sixmile flows out of the Chugach Mountains and cuts through three separate canyons. Towering walls with cascading waterfalls and awesome whitewater make this a river runner’s dream. It is a highly technical river and requires physically fit participants. Chugach offers other less demanding trips so be sure to check them out at mile 7.5 on the Hope Road. 907-277-7238