Fort Abercrombie State Historical Park Favorite Tips by herzog63

Theres something hidden in those cliffs.......

Favorite thing: If you do walk along the Miller Point Coastal hike you will come across a few different Secret Bunkers that probably were manned 24 hours per day during the height of the war which put all Americans on the edge after that worst attack on US soil in it's history December 7, 1941. The one in the photo is well camoflauged with the Spruce Trees and Moss now. You will have to enlarge the photo to properly see the bunker.

Fantastic photo opps....

Favorite thing: There are plenty of cool shots to take in and around Fort Abercrombie. One of my favorites is the loop tree. It's the remnants of tree roots that makes a very nice natural picture frame. Sadly this won't be around for to many more years it's starting to rot.

Watch the fishing boats go by

Favorite thing: The shores of the fresh water Lake Gertrude and the salt water of the Gulf of Alaska is only separated by about 75 feet at high tide. You can hear the fishing boats as they steam by heading out to the fishing grounds. This strip of Green is the seperator of Fresh and Salt water. I'm almost postive that some of the Huge winter storms actually will put salt water into the lake although I haven't witnessed that happening.

Bear Bread

Favorite thing: Bear Bread or conks is a fungi that grows on the sides of the Sitka Spruce trees. Taking them from Fort Abercrombie isn't allow as it is State Park but there are lot's of Sitka Spruce in the area that is not in the State Park. Alot of people like them as souvenirs...sometimes local artists paint tradtional scenes on them and sell them in local gift shops.

Birds and more birds.

Favorite thing: From the lookout at Miller Point you can look down and see and hear hundreds of birds on a calm day. You will have to focus your eyes good or bring some binoculars to see the birds very well as it's some distance down. Puffins are very common to see but very difficult to photograph as they nest in the cliffs.Regular seagulls seem to be the most common.

Water Pump

Favorite thing: You will find this about 1/2 mile along the Miller Point Road on the left as you drive in. The water is good to drink but tastes like dirt...My son doesn't like it....but I do. But it's good in a pinch if you're thirsty.

Fort Abercrombie Historical Museum

Favorite thing: There is a Historical Museum located in an old Magazine Bunker on Miller Point. I've never been in it as it keeps hours that makes it difficult for me to visit as I work until 6 daily. From June 1 to August 31, 2003, regular open hours are 1:00 to 4:00 PM Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, and Wednesdays. The museum is open anytime for vets or groups by appointment. Call (907) 486-7015 . I'm not sure of the cost but I don't think it's that expensive. Hopefully I'll visit it sometime and update this tip. But I do know that there some interesting artifacts inside. Such as Old Newspapers, Artilery Shells and Loaders, a Jeep, Old Japanese Fire Hydrant, flags, a piece of a P-40 Wing, Uniforms, Radios and elecronics from the era. And MORE!! If you are interested in WW II History I'm sure you will enjoy your visit as the people that run it are very knowledgable and will love to share stories with you! The photo is the entrance to the museum.

Signs.....

Favorite thing: At alot of the ruins and old buildings there will be signs such as the one in the photo so you will give you some idea of what the building was used for during World War II. Sometimes there won't be much left so you will have to use your imagination.

Fort Abercrombie

Favorite thing: Fort Abercrombie was a US Military base from 1941 -1948. It was part of the World War II Coastal Defense System. It was designated a State Historical Park in 1969 and consists of 169 acres of land. It also made the National Register of Historic Places on October 27, 1970. So there is some interesting historical past associated with the area. There are still remains of many buildings in the area. My son is standing in front of Search Light Shelter #22 on Miller Point. You will have to go for a short hike on one of the trails to find this. The hikes are not difficult at all. Although they can be wet in a few places if we've been receiving a lot of rain.