Things to do in Unalaska & Dutch Harbor
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Church of the Holy Ascension
Unalaska is dominated by the Church of the Holy Ascension, the oldest Russian-built church still standing in the country. It was built in 1825 and then enlarged in 1894, when its floor plan was changed from to a pekov (the shape of a crucifix). On Broadway overlooking the bay, the church and its onion domes are a photographer's delight. The church contains almost 700 pieces of art, ranging from Russian Orthodox icons and books to the largest collection of 19th-century paintings in Alaska.
The best time to view the church and its icons is at 18:00 on Saturday when staff members give an informal 30-minute tour just before service. Outside the church is a small graveyard, wh…
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Fort Schwatka
Most of the Aleuation WWII National Historic Area preserves Fort Schwatka on Mt Ballyhoo, the highest coastal battery ever constructed in the USA. Looming nearly 1000ft above the storm-tossed waters of the Bering Sea, the US Army fort encompassed more than 100 concrete observation posts, command stations and other structures built to withstand earthquakes and 100mph winds.
The gun mounts here are still among the best preserved in the country and include tunnels that allowed gunners to cart ammunition from one side of the mountain to the other. The 1634ft mountain is behind the airport and can be climbed to look at military artifacts or enjoy excellent views of Unalaska Is…
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Hiking to Uniktali Bay
The area has few developed trails, but an enjoyable day can be spent hiking to Uniktali Bay, a round-trip of 8 to 10 miles. From Captains Bay Rd, turn east on a gravel road just before you pass Westward Cannery. Follow the road for a mile to its end; a foot trail continues along a stream. In 2 miles, the trail runs out, and you'll reach a lake in a pass between a pair of 2000ft peaks.
Continue southeast to pick up a second stream that empties into Uniktali Bay. The bay is an undeveloped stretch of shoreline and a great place to beachcomb. From time to time, glass floats from Japanese fishing nets wash ashore.
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USS Northwestern Memorial
More war history can be found in Unalaska by following Bayview Rd to the southeast end of town. In a picturesque hillside graveyard along the bay is the USS Northwestern Memorial. Launched in 1889, the passenger and freight ship was retired in 1937, then repaired by the military in 1940 to serve as a floating bunkhouse. It was bombed during the attack on Dutch Harbor and burned for five days.
In 1992, for the 50th anniversary of the event, the propeller was salvaged by divers and is now part of the memorial to those who died during the Aleutian campaign.
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Bunker Hill
An easier climb is Bunker Hill, also part of the national historic area. This coastal battery was known to the military as Hill 400 and was fortified with 155mm guns, ammunition magazines, water tanks, 22 Quonset huts and a concrete command post at the top. You can hike to the peak of Bunker Hill along a gravel road picked up just after crossing the bridge to Amaknak Island.
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Museum of the Aleutians
The impressive Museum of the Aleutians, within easy walking distance of the Grand Aleutian Hotel, traces the Aleutian culture from prehistory and the Russian America period to WWII and the present. The museum is best known for its collection of Aleut grass baskets, but for many visitors the most interesting exhibit is devoted to the mummy caves of the Aleutian Islands.
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Parks, Culture & Recreation Department
Before hiking Mt Ballyhoo, Bunker Hill or just about anywhere outside town, obtain a permit from the Ounalashka Corporation and check with Unalaska's Parks, Culture & Recreation Department, in the community center (next to the visitors center). PCR offers organized hikes in summer that are highly worthwhile if you're in the area longer than just the ferry stop.
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Chart Room
The best restaurant in the Aleutian Islands is on the 2nd floor of the Grand Aleutian Hotel, where every table commands a view of Margaret Bay. The Chart Room is best known for the seafood buffet it sets up every Wednesday, featuring locally caught halibut, salmon and king crab. It's such a popular feast you need to make reservations.
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Aleutian Adventure Sports
The many protected harbors, bays and islands of Unalaska Island make for ideal sea-kayaking conditions. The scenery is stunning and the wildlife plentiful. It is possible to encounter Steller's sea lions, sea otters and harbor porpoises. Aleutian Adventure Sports has single/double kayak rentals for around US$69/$89 per day.
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Aleutian WWII National Historic Area
In 1996 the US Congress created this 134-acre national historic area to preserve the bloody history of the WWII battles on the Aleutian Islands. The park is unique because the Alaska Native Ounalashka Corporation not the Federal Government, owns and manages it, with NPS providing only technical assistance.
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Sitka Spruce Park
Sitka Spruce Park, within Dutch Harbor, is a national historical landmark where three of six trees planted by Russians in 1805 have somehow survived where all other foliage can't. Because of the treeless environment, however, hiking is easy here. And don't worry about bears - there aren't any.
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Airport Restaurant
This restaurant would be popular even if it wasn't at an airport notorious for bad weather. The breakfasts are large and for dinner you can go either American or Asian. It also has a bar if your plane is really late.
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Unalaska City Hall
Just for the halibut, stop in at Unalaska City Hall, up on the hill on the way to Dutch Harbor; the lobby holds a replica of the world-record halibut, a 459-pounder caught locally.
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Latitude
Had a wild past that is still the subject of legend, when it used to be the Elbow Room. Today Latitude is a tame and friendly place for a beer.
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AC Value Center
In its grocery department there is a deli, an Eastern counter and even a seating area for when your money runs out before your plane arrives.
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Amelia's
Head to this place in Dutch Harbor for a good breakfast or an extensive dinner menu that includes burgers, pasta, steaks and Mexican.
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Tino's Steakhouse
A good bet for Mexican or American food. Try the house specialty, halibut ceviche or the homemade soup.
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