Copper River Salmon
Chitina-The Town
Chitina lies in a strikingly beautiful valley,
surrounded by majestic mountains and the mighty Copper River.
Wild moose wander the streets and mountain goats dot the cliffs surrounding the town.
Squirrels, otters and mountain sheep frequent the area.
For the bird watchers; eagles, swans, jays and the busy chickadee are just a few of the visitors.
View the fish wheels working the river for salmon, or fish the local
lakes for trout or grayling.
The town itself is steeped in history. Chitina was established at the turn of the century as a railroad town for the
Copper River and Northwestern Railway. The famous railway carried copper from
the Kennicott Mine in McCarthy to Cordova, 138 miles away. Chitina was soon established
as the transportation link to interior Alaska. The early railroad town was a bustlingcommunity supporting 5 hotels, a general store, a bakery and even a movie theater.At the close of the Kennicott Mine in 1938, Chitina was all but abandoned and closeto becoming a ghost town.
Today Chitina is being revitalized and many of the historical buildings are being restored.
The town offers groceries, gas, eateries, fishing charters, lodging, church services, internet, and other amenities, all
well within walking distance.
If you travel on to McCarthy, it is a long 67 miles from Chitina. Plan to take at least three hours
for the drive. The road is gravel, however generally maintained. Services for shuttle and fly-in
are available and we would be happy to help with arrangements.
(907)255-2298
info@chitinahouse.com
Chitina-Wrangell-St. Elias National Park-Copper River-Glennallen-Copper Basin
1-22-12
www.chitinachamber.org
www.mccarthylodge.com
www.valdezudrive.com
www.wrangellmountainair.com
www.Wrangell-St. Elias National Park