The Frozen Tunnel In Whittier Alaska You Have To See To Believe

This incredibly unique place known as the “Permafrost Tunnel” is one of the rarest attractions in the last frontier in Whittier, Alaska. From 1963–1969, this tunnel was actually evacuated for the study of permafrost, geology, and ice science. In addition, engineers and various industry workers wanted to perfect mining and construction techniques specific to the permafrost environments that are so abundant in Alaska. Fascinating features are plentiful inside this tunnel, which makes it the perfect place for scientists and engineers to study a frozen environment that is over 40,000 years old. And you can bet they have to bundle up! If you’ve never heard of this distinctive locale, get ready to be blown away.

The United States Army maintains and operates a unique research facility nearest to Alaska's 'Golden Heart City' of Fairbanks.

This incredibly unique place is known as the CRREL Permafrost Tunnel Research Facility.

CRREL is an acronym for the U.S. Army's Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory and it is a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center.

Although there are no regular tours of this unique place available to the public, you can go online and view a virtual tunnel tour that is incredibly captivating.

You can actually see permafrost up close, learn about ice wedges and ice lenses, and see ancient bones from bison, mammoths, and even horses.

There is a 14,000-year-old bone sticking out of the wall that is likely the tibia of a large mammal.

Inside the tunnel, you'll notice fans spread out to keep the airflow moving and circulating about.

Inside the tunnel, you will notice many different materials and braces which help keep the area safe, clean, and in stable condition.

The interior grating is to keep the dust down. The engineered structural support looks similar to the inside of a culvert.

As the accumulation from cold winds blow out of the tunnel, thick frost forms which looks similar to what you'll find inside a freezer.

You'll also find thin strips of ice below the massive brown conglomerate.

As you walk around inside the tunnel, look up - you're completely surrounded by ice.

You'll even notice little roots hanging from the ceiling that are crusted together with the ice.

Every direction you look will hold beautiful displays of history and geology.

Ice wedge formations inside the tunnel show trapped air bubbles and the mixture of sediment which gives the ice an amber color.

Albeit incredibly cool and interesting, you can't help but to notice that the tunnel has an eerie and somewhat claustrophobic feel about it. Similar to something that you'd find in a horror movie.

At the end there is a gate where visitors are not permitted to go any further. I can't help but wonder if it continues to go down vertically...

Have you been to the permafrost tunnel or taken the online virtual tour? If so, let us know about your experience in the comments below. We would love to hear your firsthand experiences of these unique attractions.

If you thought that tunnel was incredible, learn more by reading about this underground natural wonder in Alaska that’s positively unique. On top of that, this natural phenomenon in Alaska that happens just once a year is absolutely spectacular and sure to give you a major dose of eye candy.

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Frozen Waterfalls In Alaska

CC | January 22, 2024

Where else can I see frozen waterfalls in Alaska?

You may not be able to get in to see the permafrost tunnel but you can hike to a frozen waterfall, which is another pretty cool frozen attraction. Check out these frozen waterfalls in Alaska. Just be sure to check with the parks department before heading out, you want to make sure it’s safe to venture there.

Keystone Canyon
Turnagain Arm
Prince William Sound
Seward
Ketchikan
Chitina
Black Rapids
Juneau
Mill Bay Beach
South Fork Falls

What are the best winter hikes in Alaska?

Although the waterfall is a cool touch, you can have plenty of seasonal fun without that. Enjoy these spectacular winter hikes in Alaska.

Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Spaulding Meadows
Burns Glacier
Powerline Pass
Milo Lakes
White Mountains
Admiralty Island
Turnagain Arm
Knoya Peak
Haines
Tongass National Forest
Peterson Lake
Salmon Creek
Girdwood
Rainbow Lake Trail
Boy Scout Beach
Seward
Wolverine Peak

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Whittier, AK 99693, USA

The Frozen Underground Tunnel In Alaska That You Have To See To Believe

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