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Photo: 20230713-FS-JC-WrangellPetroglyphs-0005 (53336404809) by Forest Service Alaska Region, USDA (Public domain) License

Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site

State park · Wrangell, Alaska

Cool todayPublic restroomWheelchair accessible entrance

Petroglyph Beach in Wrangell has the highest concentration of petroglyphs - rock art - in Southeast and easily accessible to explore. Petroglyph is a word derived from the Greek "petra" and "glyphe" for rock and carving. The beach area was designated a State Historic Park in 2000. There is an accessible boardwalk to a deck overlooking Petroglyph Beach, the Stikine River and Zimovia Straits. Replicas of several designs are displayed on the deck for visitors to make rubbings on. Access to the beach is provided directly from the deck overlook. Visitors can explore the beach and search for the roughly 40 petroglyphs concentrated in this area. Most are to the right toward a large rock tidal outcropping.

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Weather at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site

H: 64° L: 49°
Overcast
Overcast
61°
|
Feels like 60°
Precipitation
16%
Humidity
68%
Wind
3 mph
UV Index
4.2
Water Conditions:
🥶Too cold for most swimmers
12 AM
Clear
50°
3 AM
Partly Cloudy
49°
6 AM
Overcast
52°
9 AM
Overcast
58°
12 PM
Overcast
61°
3 PM
Sunny
64°
6 PM
Cloudy
61°
9 PM
Partly Cloudy
56°

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Frequently asked questions

Where is Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site?
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site is a state park in Wrangell, Alaska.
Can you swim at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site?
There is no fixed answer for Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site: whether it is safe to swim there on a given day depends on the water temperature, recent rainfall, and any advisories posted at Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site in Wrangell, Alaska. Check current water conditions before you go, and follow posted signs and local guidance.
How is Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site rated?
Petroglyph Beach State Historic Site in Wrangell, Alaska has an average visitor rating of 4.6 out of 5, based on 168 reviews.

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Best Times to Visit

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Cool weather - dress warmly
General Tips:
  • Weekday mornings (8–10 AM) are typically less crowded
  • Check the forecast 2–3 days ahead for best planning
  • Avoid holiday weekends for a quieter experience
Best Seasons:
☀️ Summer (Jun-Aug)🍂 Fall (Sep-Nov)🌸 Spring (Mar-May)

Location & Contact

Grave St, Wrangell, AK 99929

Wrangell, Alaska 99929

Popular Times

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People Talk About

💬 petroglyphs💬 walk💬 tide💬 town💬 carvings💬 cruise💬 dock💬 deck💬 etching💬 replicas

Highlights

Picnics

Accessibility

Wheelchair accessible entrance

Amenities

🚻 Public restroom

Family & Children

👶 Good for kids