The Unangax̂ have lived in the Aleutian Islands for more than 8,000 years. The island chain stretches for more than 1,200 miles and includes over 70 volcanic islands. Its history and landscapes can be explored in very different places: Unalaska, Adak, and other islands bring together traces of early settlement, the legacy of Russian missionary activity, events of World War II, and diverse wildlife.
Cultural History Across the Ages
The Anangula Site is considered the earliest known human settlement in the Aleutian Islands. The collection at the Museum of the Aleutians also speaks to a long human presence: it includes archaeological material documenting 9,000 years of history in the region. The Chaluka Site National Historic Landmark represents several periods of early Aleut culture. Together, these places and collections tell the story of more than a single period in the past.
In Unalaska, the history of the Church of the Holy Ascension takes you back to another era. The present church building was constructed between 1894 and 1896 on the sites of two earlier churches. It is associated with early Russian missionary activity in the Aleutian Islands and with Father Ioann Veniaminov. The Museum of the Aleutians also offers tours about the history of Unalaska and the Aleutian Islands. Check with the museum in advance to arrange a tour.
Traces of World War II
In Unalaska, the Aleutian Islands World War II Visitor Center is housed in a historic building from the World War II era that was used as an aerological building. At the summit of Mount Ballyhoo, Fort Schwatka and Battery 402 overlook Unalaska Bay. Battery 402 is located 897 feet above sea level and is the highest-altitude battery in the United States. Fort Glenn is considered the most comprehensive and best-preserved World War II base in the Aleutian Islands.
Events on the islands also differ significantly: Kiska was the first of two Aleutian Islands occupied by Japan during World War II. In 1943, Japan managed to withdraw its entire force from there without a single fatality. Attu was the site of the only World War II battle in North America. The Adak Army Base and the Adak Naval Operating Base enabled American forces to launch a successful wartime offensive against Japanese-held Attu and Kiska.
Quonset huts, barracks, and former gun emplacements are visible in the landscape of Unalaska. They offer starting points for exploring the history of the United States in the region.
Volcanic Islands and Wildlife Viewing
The Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge stretches from the volcanic islands of the Aleutian Islands to the Inside Passage and the Chukchi Sea area. Most of the refuge is federally designated as wilderness. The refuge provides important habitat for marine mammals and about 40 million seabirds from more than 30 species.
Which animals you can observe depends on the season. Sea otters, orcas, humpback whales, sea lions, and numerous bird species may be seen in the Aleutian Islands; humpback whales are often spotted off Unalaska in summer and fall. You can also watch birds from a ferry traveling through the pass between Akutan Island and Unalaska Island. Weather and ferry service may vary.
Makushin Volcano has been historically very active; its most recent eruption occurred in 1995. This historical context adds to the picture of an island chain whose volcanic landscape stretches across great distances.
Hiking Trails with Different Perspectives
Unalaska has numerous hiking trails near the town center, with a range of difficulty levels. The Bunker Hill Hike is a moderately difficult climb of about a mile with around 400 feet of elevation gain. It follows a gravel road dating from World War II, passes prehistoric sites and numerous war ruins, and offers views of Dutch Harbor and Captains Bay.
Dutch Harbor Spit offers a different focus: a short, sea-level walk leads to beach access and opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. The Ugadaga Trail is reportedly used for more than 9,000 years and leads from the Bering Sea side of the island to the North Pacific. These examples pair different types of trails with insights into the landscape and history, without suggesting that they offer the same kind of hike.
In Adak, visitors can find trail maps, brochures, and information. Around Clam Lagoon, you can drive along the road and view interpretive signs. This gives you another way to explore the island’s nature and history at your own pace.
Connections Between the Islands
The Southwest Region of the Alaska Marine Highway System extends from the Kodiak Archipelago across the Alaska Peninsula and along the Aleutian Chain to Dutch Harbor. The system operates seasonal ferry service to several Aleutian ports, including Dutch Harbor; schedules may change seasonally and due to operational conditions. Check the schedule before including a ferry connection in your plans.
Adak is one of the few places in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge accessible by a commercial airline. Since flight schedules can change, it’s worth checking the current service in advance. The vast island chain makes planning specific connections a useful part of your trip – as does deciding which cultural, historical, or scenic discoveries interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Juneau, Fairbanks North Star Borough, Hoonah-Angoon Census Area, Sitka, Yakutat, Bristol Bay, Nome Census Area.
View the broader travel overview: Alaska.
