Hyder, Alaska

Hyder, Alaska

Hyder is the only community in southern Alaska accessible by road. It sits at the head of the Portland Canal (70 mile fjord) which forms part of the US/Canadian border.

In the early 1900’s, Hyder was the only practical access point to the Canadian silver mines. The community became an ocean port and supply point for Canadian mines.

The original townsite was built on pilings, but destroyed by fire in 1948.

Dependent on tourism, Hyder promotes itself as the “Friendliest Ghost Town in Alaska. Spectacular scenery, great fishing, bear viewing at the salmon spawning ground and eagles are the summer tourist attractions.

Just 2 miles across the border from Stewart, BC, the 100 or so residents are dependent on Stewart for groceries, banking services and liquor store.

There is no US customs or immigration upon arriving at Hyder, but the Canadians have a border crossing and passports and must be presented each time anyone crosses back into Canada from Hyder.

Parking 21 rigs at the RV park in Hyder

US Post Office in Hyder, complete with moose antlers and bear.

Cloud coming in over the Portland Canal

Hyder receives an amazing amount of snowfall each year. This is one example of winter travel modes.

The Glacier Inn & winter transportation

There are a couple of small hotels in town, operating two bars, and one restaurant, which was closed because of staff shortage due to a family illness. Shortage of staff seemed to be a problem everywhere in this small town and businesses are closing as owners become elderly and unable to operate the business without staffing.

 

The bar at the Glacier Inn.

"Hyderized" means that you shoot back whatever spirits the bartender gives you, and after you drink the bartenders concoction, you are told what you have consumed. Needless to say, we are a little smarter than in our youth and passed on being "Hyderized".

This bar in the Glacier Inn says that $95000.00 cover it's walls. They have added panels that now cover some of the older bills, but allow for the tradition to continue.

The most popular place to eat is the Seafood Bus, where  many of us enjoyed halibut & chips, smoked salmon dip and halibut cheeks. Dining is primarily outside on the small deck.

At about 7pm, we headed out of town to the bear viewing platform. As we arrived, we heard the Ranger say that a female ber was coming up the creek, and just as we entered the area, there she was.

After one and a half hours, we headed for the parking lot. Just as we left the viewing area, headed to our vehicle, a Mama and her cub crossed the road, just 100' in front of us. Given that she had a cub with her, we stood still and watched for a few seconds. Once she continued across the road, oblivious to us, we struggled to get our cameras out, but alas, we were to slow, and the bears disappeared into the bush.

This is the Hyder Yacht Club

 

When it was time to head out towards Dease Lake, we departed early and enjoyed coffee and breakfast, gazing out upon the spectacular, but breezy Bear Glacier.