***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about Cordova and the Copper River Area can be found at Alaska Job Finder. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information.***

Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.

Although former governor Wally Hickel repeatedly tried to complete a road to Cordova, the town and the surrounding area, known as the Copper River District, remain isolated from the rest of the state and are accessible only by boat and airplane. Regular ferry dockings allow easy access from Whittier, Homer, Seward, and Kodiak, and Valdez. Cordova's residents tend to be independent, free spirits in nature. The population in town is ethnically diverse, with many Russians, Filipinos, Japanese, and Alaska Natives (primarily Aleut and Eyak).

The area's pristine wilderness is a favorite of hikers, who often use the area's fourteen U.S. Forest Service cabins for overnight stays. The forty-eight-mile Copper River Highway provides access to myriad hiking trails, glaciers, and alpine lakes. The drive allows views of spectacuar scenery, topped off by the incredible Million Dollar Bridge, constructed in 1910. The bridge was damaged during the 1964 earthquake and is not recommended for driving, but the view of two enormous glaciers directly adjacent to the bridge makes it well worth the visit. Childs Glacier is about fifty miles from Cordova and is accessible by the highway. Childs is one of the most active glaciers in the area, calving giant iceburgs into the Copper River as it races past. And bird-watchers should take note: the Copper River Delta is a nesting area for millions of birds each year.

Most of the town's residents make their living from fish, and the population literally doubles in summer with seasonal fisheries workers. The Copper River District begins its annual salmon harvest in mid-May, making it the earliest of any region. Because this is the first major salmon fishery of the season to open and the Copper River salmon's meat is considered superior, these sockeye salmon command the highest prices of any in Alaska. Drift gillnetting for salmon in this area is one of the most dangerous jobs in the industry because it takes place near the swirling, rapids-filled mouth of the river.

Those seeking adventure outside of town can head to Nancy Lake State Recreation Area for fishing, hiking, and boating among the area's over 100 lakes. Visitors have access to camping, cabins, canoe routes, and wild berries.

Cordova Information

Population: 2,350

Location: On Orca Inlet at the southeast end of Prince William Sound

Annual precipitation: 152 inches

July averages: Temperature 53.3 F; precipitation 6.44 inches

Inexpensive lodging: Alaska Hotel and Bar, (907) 424-3288, located at 600 1st Street; $35 w/o bath, $55 with bath. The Forest Service has cabins to rent. Call (907) 424-7661 for more info.

Basements: Many people rent out the basements of their homes to seasonal employees. These are usually found by word of mouth, so ask around.

Camping: Most workers either have to live in company-provided housing or camp illegally at Ski Hill or near Eyak Lake or possibly other locations around town. Ski Hill is the local ski resort and is located behind town. It is a rather long and steep walk to get there. Eyak Lake is another option. Most people camp at Nirvana Park which is just over a mile out of town, or they venture deeper in the woods off Lake Avenue. The Odiak Camper Park, (907) 424-6200, on Whitshed Road is a legal camping area but is basically just a gravel lot which doesn't appeal to some people. Sites are $3/night.

Ferry terminal: Half a mile north of downtown

Airport: 11 miles east of town; $7 on small airport minibus (907) 424-5356; many hitchhike

Visitors Information: Parks & Recreation Office, (907) 424-7282

Chamber of Commerce: P.O. Box 99, Cordova, AK 99574; (907) 424-7260

Hospital: Cordova Community Medical Center, (907) 424-8000

Clinic: Cordova Medical Clinic, (907) 424-8200

***More up-to-date and detailed town profiles and specific employment information about Cordova and other Region 2 towns can be found at www.AlaskaJobFinder.com. Unfortunately, our licensing agreement with AlaskaJobFinder doesn't allow us to use the most current version of their Alaska Job information. Please use this town profile only for general information, as some of the information may be outdated.

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