Hope is a scenic 87 mile drive from Anchorage on the Kenai Peninsula. Gold rush buildings still charm downtown Hope, the white and green store has been serving customers since 1896.
In 1889, a group of gold miners were searching for a name to call their fast growing community of prospectors. It was agreed that the town would be named for the next soul to step off one of the boats shuttling newcomers to the area. Along came young Percy Hope, and an Alaskan town was born.
The log Social Hall, built in 1902, still hosts community meetings, dances, and weddings and the 1938 red schoolhouse now serves Hope as a library. You can dip a gold pan into Resurrection Creek and glean gold from the black sand or cast a fishing line for salmon. Bring a camera. The Chugach Mountains and Turnagain Arm tidal flats boast eagles, moose, mountain goats, and berries. Enjoy camping at Porcupine or Cour D’Alene Campgrounds. The 4.5 mile Gull Rock Trail hugs the cliffs along Turnagain Arm. Traverse 38.6 miles over Resurrection Pass Trail to Cooper Landing.
The Hope Museum will gladly inform you of the local landmarks. Hope boomed in the past and welcomes you today.
