Hoonah's compact size puts most things to see and do within walking distance. Here are some suggestions you may enjoy. But be warned. There is so much here, you will probably have to make more than one trip to really feel you have gotten the full experience!

WILDLIFE VIEWING A prime spot for viewing eagles is Hoonah Harbor, where these majestic birds line up on the surrounding breakwater. Gulls, ravens and a variety of other land and sea birds can be seen along the shore in Hoonah at almost any time of day. Humpback whales, also, are commonly seen in the area in front of town. These mammoth gymnasts arrive in the spring from Hawaii and stay till the end of summer - a very convenient schedule for visitors!

SHOPPING You might say that shopping in Hoonah is a social event. Businesses have a friendly, hometown quality built on personalized year-round service to the local residents. Visitors notice this and talk about it! You will find beautiful, labor- intensive products made by Hoonah artists and other Alaskan made items for sale in our shops. Enjoy finding gifts and mementos of your Hoonah visit as you give us the pleasure of meeting you.

TOTEM SITE A brief walk from the center of Hoonah or the harbor takes you to the Hoonah City School yard where two locally-carved Tlingit totem poles are displayed. These totems are monuments of living culture, records of a heritage being passed on to this generation. A hand- carved canoe is here,also.

CEMETERY A half mile from town, across from the ferry terminal a small cemetery sits under the trees beside the road. After stopping here to read its historic markers, go a short distance further to see a striking rock formation created when a cliff was blasted through for road construction. Beyond this point there is a walking path which parallels a coastal roadway for a mile and a half. Taking a hike on this will give you a panoramic seaside experience well worth the jaunt.

FOREST SERVICE Perhaps a visit to the Hoonah Ranger District Forest Service htp:/www.fs.fed.us/f10/tongass/index.shtml is the perfect activity for you. Friendly, informed personnel will guide you to displays, maps and reading material, or simply discuss what's on your mind. By the time you leave with a bag full of free handouts, you'll know more about the land, wildlife, forests and recreational opportunities in our fascinating corner of the world.

HIKING AND BIKING To find out about the more than 200 miles of dirt roads available for hiking and biking, a Chichagof Island and Hoonah Area Roadguide can be obtained at the Hoonah Ranger District building. Call (907) 945-3631 or visit the web site above. Hiking and beachcombing along the seashore is an easy, rewarding activity that Hoonah residents recommend for everyone. Be sure to have boots available for off-road and seaside adventures.

The ocean is a vital resource for the people of Hoonah. It provides income, food, transportation, recreation and awe-inspiring beauty.

GLACIER BAY Twenty-five miles north of Hoonah across Icy Strait is our famous neighbor, Glacier Bay National Park http:/www.visitglacierbay.com. Hoonah is a convenient layover for visitors waiting to enter the bay.

SIGHTSEEING/PHOTOGRAPHY Pilot into Hoonah on your own boat, charter a local one, lease a tug from Juneau, or bring your kayak by ferry. Just make sure you GET OUT ON THE WATER once you get here. You can see ---mountains descending by rocky cliffs to the sea ---whales spouting and breaching nearby ---salmon taking ballet leaps before your eyes ---eagles sweeping from treetop nests ---shy deer walking along the shore, or maybe a bear sow with cubs trailing behind. These are our manifest riches, but a visit to Hoonah can make them yours. Get your camera ready!