Unalaska★5.0

How to Get There

From Anchorage, AK (~800 mi): Fly Alaska Airlines to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor Airport (DUT) ~2.5 hours, then take a taxi or rental car to reach Unalaska's historic sites, restaurants, and waterfront.

Unalaska Island

Unalaska is a volcanic island in the Fox Islands group of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. The island has a land area of 1,051 square miles (2,720 km2). It measures 79.4 mi (127.8 km) long and 34.7 mi (55.8 km) wide. The city of Unalaska, Alaska, covers part of the island and all of neighboring Amaknak Island where the Port of Dutch Harbor is located.

Unalaska is the second-largest island in the Fox Islands group and the Aleutian Islands. The coastline of Unalaska is markedly different in appearance than other major Aleutian Islands, with numerous inlets and peninsulas. The irregular coastline is broken by three long deep bays, Beaver Inlet, Unalaska Bay, and Makushin Bay, as well as by numerous smaller bays and coves. Unalaska's terrain is rugged and covered with mountains, and during the greater part of the year, the higher elevations are covered with snow. The highest point on Unalaska is the active volcano Mount Makushin.

Unalaska is the Aleut name for the island. Several theories about its origin exist; the most likely is that the name derives from the Russian word Ounalashka, an adaptation of the Aleut word for near the mainland, nawan Alaskax.

Unalaska, Alaska

Unalaska is the chief center of population in the Aleutian Islands. The Aleut (Unangan) people have lived on Unalaska Island for thousands of years. The Unangan, who were the first to inhabit the island of Unalaska, named it "Ounalashka", meaning "near the peninsula". The Russian fur trade reached Unalaska when Stepan Glotov and his crew arrived on August 1, 1759. Natives, Russians and their descendants comprised most of the community's population until the mid-20th century, when the involvement of the United States in World War II led to a large-scale influx of people and construction of buildings all along the strategically located Aleutians.

Almost all of the community's port facilities are on Amaknak Island, better known as Dutch Harbor or just "Dutch". It is the largest fisheries port in the U.S. by volume caught. It includes Dutch Harbor Naval Operating Base and Fort Mears, U.S. Army, a U.S. National Historic Landmark. Dutch Harbor lies within the city limits of Unalaska and is connected to Unalaska by a bridge. Amaknak Island is home to almost 59 percent of the city's population, although it has less than 3 percent of its land area.

As a result of the town's strong fishing industry, Unalaska has also become notable for its large population of bald eagles, which number in the hundreds and were attracted to the area by human activity.

Since 2005, the Discovery Channel's documentary show Deadliest Catch has focused on fishermen who are based in Dutch Harbor.

Makushin Volcano (5,691 ft/1,735 m) is located on the island; it is not quite visible from within the town of Unalaska, though the steam rising from its cone is visible on the rare clear day. By climbing one of the smaller hills in the area, such as Pyramid Peak or Mount Newhall, it is possible to get a good look at the snow-covered cone.

Transportation

The state of Alaska owns a 4,500 by 100 ft (1,372 by 30 m) paved runway, where daily flights are scheduled. A seaplane base is also available.

The Alaska Marine Highway operates once every two weeks from Kodiak between April and October.

There are approximately seven miles (11 km) of paved road, and 38 miles (61 km) of road total in Unalaska.

Things to Do

Explore the Heart of the Aleutian Islands

Unalaska, home to Dutch Harbor, is the largest community in the Aleutian Islands and one of Alaska's most unique destinations. Surrounded by volcanic peaks, rugged coastlines, and rich marine ecosystems, the city combines Native Unangax̂ heritage, Russian history, World War II sites, commercial fishing culture, and outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities.

Visit the Museum of the Aleutians

The Museum of the Aleutians preserves the cultural and historical heritage of the Aleutian Islands. Exhibits explore thousands of years of Unangax̂ history, Russian settlement, World War II events, archaeology, and the modern development of Unalaska. The museum is one of the community's most important cultural attractions.

Explore World War II History

Unalaska played a major role during World War II and was the site of Japanese air attacks in 1942. Visitors can tour the Aleutian World War II National Historic Area Visitor Center, explore former military installations, and view bunkers, gun emplacements, and defensive structures that remain throughout the area.

Visit Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Cathedral

This striking church is a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest Russian Orthodox cathedrals in North America. Its distinctive onion domes and historic religious artifacts reflect the lasting influence of Russian culture on the Aleutian Islands.

Experience Outstanding Wildlife Viewing

The waters surrounding Unalaska support abundant marine life, including sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and countless seabirds. Bald eagles are commonly seen throughout the area, while nearby waters attract birdwatchers seeking puffins, auklets, and other marine bird species.

Enjoy Whale Watching and Marine Tours

Boat tours and local charter operators offer opportunities to view humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, sea otters, and seabird colonies. The dramatic coastline and productive marine environment make Unalaska one of Alaska's premier wildlife-viewing destinations.

Explore Dutch Harbor

One of the busiest commercial fishing ports in the United States, Dutch Harbor offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Alaska's fishing industry. Walking the harbor provides views of fishing vessels, seafood processing facilities, and the working waterfront that drives the local economy.

Go Fishing in Aleutian Waters

Fishing enthusiasts can pursue halibut, salmon, cod, rockfish, and other species through local charter operators. The rich waters surrounding Unalaska have long supported both commercial and recreational fishing activities.

Drive or Hike Through Volcanic Landscapes

The surrounding terrain includes mountains, tundra, lakes, beaches, and volcanic features that offer excellent opportunities for hiking, photography, and wildlife observation. Scenic viewpoints throughout the island provide sweeping panoramas of bays, harbors, and neighboring islands.

Top Trails

Mount Ballyhoo Trail

Length: Approximately 4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Approximately 1,600 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

One of Unalaska's most popular hikes, Mount Ballyhoo offers spectacular views of Dutch Harbor, the Bering Sea, Unalaska Bay, and surrounding islands. The route also passes historic World War II military sites and provides opportunities to observe bald eagles and marine wildlife.

Bunker Hill Trail

Length: Approximately 2 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This scenic hike leads to a former coastal defense position and features panoramic views of Captains Bay, Amaknak Island, Iliuliuk Harbor, and nearby mountains. Historical military remnants and abundant birdlife make the trail a favorite among visitors.

Overland Pass Trail

Length: Approximately 3 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: Moderate
Difficulty: Moderate

This route traverses scenic tundra and hillside landscapes while providing expansive views of Summer Bay, Beaver Inlet, and the surrounding Aleutian terrain. The trail is popular for photography, wildlife viewing, and experiencing the region's remote beauty.

Sources: City of Unalaska visitor information covering hiking, whale watching, fishing, kayaking, birding, local attractions, recreational opportunities, and cultural activities. City of Unalaska - Things to See & Do
Additional information verified through Alaska travel resources covering Mount Ballyhoo, Bunker Hill, Holy Ascension Russian Orthodox Cathedral, World War II historic sites, Dutch Harbor, wildlife viewing, and cultural attractions in Unalaska. Alaska.org - Unalaska Things to Do and Travel Alaska - Local's Guide to Unalaska/Dutch Harbor

This article uses material from the Wikipedia article "Unalaska Island", and "Unalaska, Alaska", which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0