PWS Natural History

Surrounded by Chugach National Forest and protected from the stormy weather of the Gulf of Alaska by Montague and Hinchinbrook Islands, Prince William Sound covers an area of approximately 15,000 square miles with more than 2,500 miles of convoluted and rugged shoreline. Fifteen major islands, nineteen minor islands and 200 smaller islands are scattered throughout the area.

From the many icefields covering the vallies of the Chugach Mountains flow more than 150 glaciers with 17 reaching sea level. The climate is maritime with moderate temperatures and an average precipitation of 100 inches annually.

Prince William Sound has the greatest diversity of wildlife habitat along the entire northern Pacific Coast. Two hundred forty species of birds have been observed, ranging from the tiny rufus hummingbird to the mighty bald eagle, and during spring and fall migration tens of millions of migratory birds traverse the area. Humpback, killer, and minke whales, seals and Steller sea lions reside in this marine environment. Thirty different land mammals have been recorded in Prince William Sound. Most easily spotted are Sitka deer, black bears and mountain goats. Commercial and sports fishermen harvest five species of Pacific salmon as well as halibut, shrimp, crab, herring and bottom fish in the rich waters of the Sound.

This vast resource of natural beauty and wildlife is easily accessible to you through Anadyr Adventures.