Cities and Towns in Yakutat Borough, Alaska
Founded in 1992, Yakutat is one of 20 boroughs in the state of Alaska. The city of (Consolidated city-borough) is the borough seat. With FIPS code of 282, Yakutat has a population of 704 and area of 7,623 square miles (19,743 km²).
List of all cities in Yakutat Borough, AK alphabetically
City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
Yakutat, AK | 99689 | 907 |
Map of Cities in Yakutat Borough, AK
Major Cities and Towns in Yakutat Borough, Alaska
Yakutat
- Area: 104.1 square miles
- Population: 662 (as of the 2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 99689
- Latitude and Longitude: 59.5469° N, 139.7277° W
Location and History
Yakutat is the primary community and the only incorporated city within the expansive Yakutat Borough in southeastern Alaska. Located on the Gulf of Alaska, Yakutat is nestled between the St. Elias Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, making it one of the most isolated communities in the state. The area has been inhabited for thousands of years by the Tlingit people, who relied on the rich marine environment for sustenance. The name “Yakutat” is derived from the Tlingit word “Yaakwdáat,” meaning “the place where canoes rest.” European exploration began in the 18th century, with Yakutat becoming a key location for Russian and later American fur traders. The town grew during the early 20th century with the advent of commercial fishing, particularly for salmon, which remains a significant part of the local economy. Yakutat is also known for its subsistence lifestyle, with residents relying on hunting, fishing, and gathering to sustain their way of life.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Yakutat is served by the Yakutat School District, with Yakutat School providing education from kindergarten through 12th grade. The community is home to several key landmarks, including the Yakutat Tlingit Tribe’s cultural center, which preserves and promotes the rich heritage of the Tlingit people. The area is also famous for its natural beauty, particularly around Yakutat Bay and the Hubbard Glacier, which is one of the most active tidewater glaciers in North America. Yakutat’s proximity to Glacier Bay National Park and the Tongass National Forest offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation, including fishing, surfing, kayaking, and wildlife observation. The annual Yakutat Tern Festival celebrates the area’s rich biodiversity, particularly the large population of Arctic terns that nest in the region. Yakutat’s blend of indigenous culture, natural beauty, and outdoor adventure makes it a unique and vibrant community in Alaska’s coastal landscape.