Hope is a scenic 88 mile drive from Anchorage. 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.

Hope Chamber of Commerce, Box 89, Hope, AK 99605.

History
Hope was one of Alaska’s first gold rush towns. In 1889, before gold was found in Dawson or Nome, a man named King discovered gold in Resurrection Creek. More prospectors rushed to stake claims. On a lark, the community of tents and cabins that grew at the mouth of the creek chose to name themselves after the youngest rusher to step off the next boat. His name was Percy Hope.  Miners discovered gold nearby in Sixmile Creek and a new tent community was christened Sunrise City. Hope City, Sunrise City, and the surrounding area swelled to 3,000 people long before Anchorage existed. Gold was plentiful. Robert Mathison panned 385 ounces in less than 2 months. However, the boom faded as quickly as it started. The population dropped to a mere 23. Hope claims close to 200 today.

At Mile 16.2 is the Resurrection Creek Road and1/2 mile up the road is a fork, the left leads to the Coeur d’Alene Forest Service picnic area.

The Resurrection Pass Trail System has 6 Forest Service cabins (at intervals). The normal route between Hope and Cooper Landing on the Sterling Highway (36 miles) can be done in 3 days by sturdy hikers and 5 or more days for families. Alternate trips on maintained trails in the system are: Hope to Seward Highway via Devil’s Pass (30 miles), or Seward Highway to Cooper Landing (25 miles). Cabin permits and reservations and maps are available from: Forest Supervisor, Chugach National Forest.

The Porcupine Forest Service Campground, with 24 camping units, is one mile beyond turn-off to Hope across Resurrection Creek. Gold panning and fishing.

Things To Do
Some of the best whitewater rafting in Alaska can be found in this area. Two of Alaska's premier rafting companies have operations here. They supply everything you need for a safe but exhilarating rafting experience.

Nova Whitewater Raft Adventure offers fantastic whitewater rafting on Six Mile Creek. They supply everything you need for a safe but exciting rafting experience. Mile 3 Hope Rd. 1-800-746-5753.