Chugach Census Area, Alaska
Chugach Census Area is a stunning part of southern Alaska where mountains meet the sea and glaciers shape the valleys. Valdez is the largest town in the area and is located at the end of a fjord.
Oil is an important industry in the region, as the Trans-Alaska Pipeline ends in Valdez. However, the area is not just known for industry. Much of the region is covered by the Chugach National Forest, while part of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park is also located nearby.
Winters are long and dark, while summers are short but enjoyable, bringing nearly endless daylight. The area has a rich history, from Native Alaskan cultures to Russian fur traders. Fishing remains an important way of life, and the salmon runs are well known. Earthquakes also occur in the region, with the 1964 Good Friday earthquake significantly reshaping the landscape.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Chugach Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Unofficial seat: Cordova (as census areas do not have official seats) |
| Population | Approximately 7,500 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Cordova, Valdez, Tatitlek, Chenega, Whittier, Girdwood (partly), Copper River area |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Alaska Route 4, Alaska Route 10, and Alaska Marine Highway serve the area) |
| FIPS Code | 02-063 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 83,525 square miles (Land: 6,620 sq mi, Water: 76,905 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Municipality of Anchorage (West), Kenai Peninsula Borough (Southwest), Copper River Census Area (North), City and Borough of Yakutat (East) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 60.5428° N, 145.7574° W |
| Etymology | Named after the Chugach Mountains and Chugach people, indigenous to the region |
| Major Landmarks | Prince William Sound, Chugach National Forest, Columbia Glacier, Valdez Harbor, Copper River Delta, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park (partly) |
