Exploring Inside 1913 Shipwreck Lost in Alaska | Destination Adventure

Exploring the oceans of each country I visit bring me the greatest adventures, because these are waters typically only seen by locals. When you get to these remote locations in Alaska, the amount of people that get to see this coastline is incredibly limited, so there is a lot to find and discover. One of the locations I knew I had to see while visiting Whittier, is the wreckage of Leschi; a Ferry built in 1913, operated between Kirkland Washington and Seattle until 1950, then repurposed as a floating cannery and brought to Alaska. It operated in the waters of Prince William Sound until 1978, when the ship encountered a storm and was run aground and has remained ever since. The years, elements and salt water have not been kind to this ship, but there is plenty left to see and explore. At this point, it is hard to even see the resemblance of the ship in its former glory, but I am so lucky to have been able to see it as it is now, and document some of what remains inside the vessel.
The second half of this adventure brought us way out to the edge of Prince William Sound, in search of an abandoned mine on an island, and let me tell you I was not disappointed. I have been waiting for the perfect weather to attempt this trip, and today was the day to pull it off. We had a very successful and safe crossing, and the island its self brought so much beauty and history. There is not a tremendous amount left of the mine, but there is enough to paint a great picture of what it once was. Even without the history, this whole adventure is full of beauty, and I hope you enjoyed every moment of it.
If you did enjoy this episode, and you would like to help support the channel,
I have a couple of different options. You can support by joining the Patreon community, or by purchasing some of the DA Merch.
Patreon:https: //www.patreon.com/DestinationAdventure
Merch: destinationmerch.com/
This adventure was also possible only because of my amazing sponsors at Swellfish. If you're wanting to incorporate a little more water adventure in your life, there is no better adventure boat than a Swellfish: swellfish.co/DUSTINPORTER

[@abnurtharn2927]

That part at 8:46 is the rudder quadrant. Where the wires/chains from the steering wheel are attached to torn the rudder. Normally ferries like this would have rudder and propeller in each end.

[@lc285]

Man's ingenuity and fortitude never ceases to amaze me. The places you travel and things you find in such remote places is thought provoking.

[@gwenjohnson5315]

Not now

[@amrogers4]

"Double the rods, double the chance to get lucky!" 🤣🤣🤣 Did I understand that correctly? You're such a rare gem, Dustin. Thanks so much for all you do

[@twowheeltoys]

That had me cracking up sooo much!

[@calldon4688]

My God dude that is another awesome video!! There's no way in **** I'd have gone in that ship, but there's no way in **** I'd go into a lot of the places you go. Dustin, you're showing us all the raw, untouched beauty of the Earth, and the way the Earth reclaims everything. Thank you for that!!

[@randyjackson8138]

It’s bear scatt the things that look like eggs are berries. Awesome video as always 🤟😎

[@chuckles7524]

I was going to leave a similar comment. As a Northern BC raised berry picker I've seen lots of bear scat 🥴

[@boostman757]

So fantastic! As a Swede I feel strongly connected to the forests, rivers and the water but BC and Alaska is like Scandinavia on steoroids. Makes me wanna go there now!

[@schnitzelmedbearnaise]

Thats funny, i thought exactly the same thing! //Också svensk, åker upp till norrland några gånger om året XD

[@Nicksonian]

Ceaselessly amazing how back in the day, massive machinery was trekked out to the middle of nowhere. Thanks for the ride back in time. Just imagine living and working out there when it was even more remote. Makes you wonder how they even found such places to mine.

[@freerangebio-farm]

26:09. you crack me up so much! "just looks like a pretty active bear area" nervous laugh and carries on... you are a true adventurer and a Canuck for sure!! Not leaving because of bears but because its time to go fishin... you are the best!

[@Destination_Adventure]

Great comment, thank you.

[@mamasinger49]

I joined your Patreon, and you are the only one I have joined. I did because your videos are a joy to watch. Thank you for all the work and effort you put in. It is appreciated so very much, as you are truly an adventurer in the most soulful way, and it is felt by us, your viewers.

[@misterrjg]

I faintly remember the Leschi when she was a Washington State Ferry. She's pronounced Lesch-eye. 🙂 Another good adventure

[@yveschevarie6830]

Wow! You must have been the rarest human to go inside this shipwreck since a looooooooot of time!

[@Gubbinsmcbumbersnoot]

The only thing crazier than that old boat is the guy standing inside of it lol. Very cool video.

[@tptp-yl6gr]

UR following in my footsteps Dustin. 50 years later. I'm 78. Been all over B.C. Yukon, American west coast. Drove the Baja Mexico 5 times. Note. 60 hours driving time Vancouver to The Cabos. Neat for me to watch UR videos 50 yrs. later.

[@johnmclaren7059]

The hard labour that it must have taken to get all that equipment up there, blood sweat and tears I bet! Great adventure Dustin thanks for the journey 👍🇨🇦

[@toniwilson6210]

You are an absolute mad lad for going in that sunken ship. Thanks for getting the footage of it before it’s lost. Amazing stuff. Adventure on Mr Adventure man. *I made this comment before you started stealing blueberries in full sight of a momma grizzly bear.

[@BALLGAWKER]

So amazing! Every time I see these places in your videos I just have an urge to excavate these old sites and see what is really underneath!!! But as always "take nothing but photos, leave nothing but footprints"

[@shs646]

pretty cool seeing an old steam ship like that. At least it looked like a bunch of boilers under the deck.

[@rvman3359]

Your slow pan shots and close up's are what make these so awesome to watch. Did anyone else catch the little tiny snail on the rock? Oh, and of course your sense of humor. That rod joke was hilarious. Thanks for the great views and laughs. Keep safe.

[@reacew7624]

Awesome adventure! Going in that boat was sketchy lol

[@solidsabers]

Perfect timing for Sat morning coffee.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

You showed the great Western Towboat company on their scheduled barge run to Whittier. The part looked like part of a steering quadrant. Nice job getting inside. Pretty dangerous but interesting.

[@KrazyMitchAdventures]

Captain D, what you need is a Downrigger for Ocean salmon fishing. Those "Dip-Sea" Divers dont really work. Sept/Oct you also need to have Prawn traps down (and a prawn puller) 250/300 ft of water, in front of a small fresh water source. AS ALWAYS An Amazing Adventure. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@russbonk1372]

The scrapper in me cringes at all the brass valves you always seem to come across and wave in our faces!! HAHA! Absolutely had some inner deep memories come through as you were making your way through the wreck........as a youngster my friends and I had to get rescued from a hulk of an abandoned barge we decided to go into. Thanks Dustin!! For the memories AND the great video!!

[@TheUnexpectedOffRoad]

What an awseome adventure!!!! I'd be so scared to run into a bear face to face!! You are brave man!!!!

[@deekay3064]

The natural beauty you find and share with us is truly stunning. Thank you!!

[@hannahelisemiller7350]

Incredible coincidence! I grew up in Kirkland. My parents property used to be camping sites and I am fairly sure the Leschi Ferry was one way Seattle residents commuted to Kirkland to camp and utilize the beach property rights that are still to this day attached to their property on Lake Washington. Came across your channel today! Truly enjoying the content. Thank you for sharing!

[@hannahelisemiller7350]

The pilings are still visible from the old dock on the lake where the ferry would disembark from. There are placards posted related to the history of the old road adjacent to the lake; it is now a walking and biking path. If you come through this way, connect with me. I would love to go on an adventure with you. You could put your boat in Lake Washington from our beach front access and I could make arrangements for you to park your RV in our parking lot for at least one night, maybe two. 😊

[@GentlemanAndaScholar]

Dustin, thank you for sharing your adventures with us! Your channel is the proof of the saying, “If you can dream it, you can do it.” Keep on exploring!

[@shadowknowsjo]

Always love your northern content. Makes me wanna go back to Alaska. Thanks for sharing your adventures!

[@mauriceclark4870]

You will have lots of memories. And photos. To view later in life. !!

[@kathrynjohnston794]

Love the northwest adventures. For over fifty years I have always wanted to go to Alaska, and had I known how beautiful western Canada was that would have been a dream adventure too. Now I get to go along with you, and yes, the mom in me comes out and I always tell you to be careful or watch out. Be safe, God bless, and safe travels from Proctor Minnesota!

[@randybooth9192]

Beautiful scenery thanks again Dustin 🤘

[@vinniefray7299]

Thanks again for a sweet adventure ! Such inspiration!

[@blueman5924]

Helllllooooo ! I’m stuck in a rusty old boat and my cell phone is….. safely on shore. Dang ! Awesome scenery ! 🌲🤙

[@clutch747]

thank you for the amazing footage!

[@heatherbella]

HA HA HA! You always catch the big fishes when the camera's off. :P Great episode Dustin!

[@bombadil776]

I'm really enjoying watching through all your videos. As someone born and raised in BC, I've been looking for a BC based YT channel for ages.

[@markparent3323]

Thanks for sharing Dustin. Keep up the great work!

[@endangeredmarmot4518]

Great episode, D - your Alaskan adventures have been a blast

[@jamesanthony2044]

I just discovered your channel. I've been watching your adventures after work for 3 days. Love and appreciate all your work. Cheers!!

[@gregmacdonald3559]

Thank you Dustin. I appreciate your adventures! 🇨🇦❤️🙏🏻

[@zestoslife]

That pelton wheel system setup is the most intact I have seen in the wild. They were the normal way of generating rotational power down here in the Coromandel Gold fields in the late 1800's down here in New Zealand. So have seen lots of gear about, both in the wild and in museums / setups etc. But this setup was in really good condition. The pipe ends with that valve which creates a jet with its small outflow diameter which spins the wheel. Which turns the shaft turning the two other large wheels. These were belt drives. With large leader belts on them that takes the rotating energy to the gear up the hill. The gear up the hill looked really interesting as well. Some kind of floation and agitation I suspect but not sure. Amazing stuff.

[@Funnymoments2023.]

*I can't stop laughing at these episodes lol*

[@twowheeltoys]

Double the rods, double the chance of getting lucky. Words of wisdom right there 😂 man that cracked me up!

[@Brocephus77]

Hahaha. You crack me up Dustin. Another great video

[@Marcelmopartruckguy]

Man it would be so cool if you or the viewers had access to possible old photos of some of these places you go to, it would be amazing to see the then and now! All that old machinery just opens up the imagination-thanks again Dustin for one of the best videos yet! Frick Alaska is beautiful!!

[@Destination_Adventure]

There is archives online to many of these places, but not all.

[@michaeldarragh354]

Always enjoyable, thanks!

[@Lady05V]

Awesome!!!!!! I LOVE that island. Perfect place to live ❤

[@lindasalway3749]

Wow...once again another amazing video. Thank you for taking us with you on your adventures!!! As always much love from Colorado

[@fredv7487]

Awesome job Dustin. Thanks for taking us along again. Stay dry and stay safe.

[@chrishoward4546]

Great work sir thank you for all your extra efforts Thank you !!!!!

[@danielhowell2368]

Thanks for all the unique content

[@jontooke846]

Love your posts thanks so much I enjoy watching you

[@henrykahil9275]

Nice adventure D! Thanks for letting us tag along mate

[@crazy_eyed_mama]

Your videos are my absolute favorite travel KZbinr. The areas you expect lite are all on my bucket lists

[@ivanolsen8596]

When you were entering the wreck my immediate thought was the very recent rockfall on the island. You could be almost sure any machinery with Ingersol Rand on it is a compressor. Historians wonder how the pyramids were built, I wonder how the hell did those miners get that heavy equipment ashore and up the wet and no doubt muddy hills to the minesite, not many Chinooks in those days! What a lot of amazing scenery bundled into one state! Good on you Dustin for showing us!

[@joangravel2436]

Awesome video thanks I enjoyed watching 👍

[@parkerottoackley6325]

Thanks again, brother, for the great video 👍👍👍

[@DannoM_]

Stunning footage of the landscape as usual Dustin! I love the remote exploring. Too bad you couldn't find the mine but still worth the journey.

[@Hondaatvriders]

I would agree with it being an air compress at the mine site with seeing the Ingersollrand nameplate. Thanks for taking us along on your taking a chance to find old places!

[@joelgodin2378]

Two weeks ago, one of your video showed up in my suggestions, since then I've been hook. Thanks for showing us all those fantastic places. 👍🇨🇦

[@liannepitcher6760]

As always a great vid!

[@Ladner_Mike]

Great video dude. Really love seeing the old machinery!

[@haulinags]

Love watching your adventures, and always enjoy your humor!! Whip it!!!!!! ;)

[@leighsayers2628]

Awesome ...another beautiful video ..haha 😂😂😂 and your humour ..makes me laugh ..awesome Cheers from an Aussie ..

[@Lst2ltdwn]

Just found your site, man that’s great exploring, thanks for taking me along.

[@Rachel-art-and-design]

Just beautiful and crazy that they just leave equipment like that. You make me so nervous when you explore some things. Love your videos.

[@andrewcotterill6251]

I started watching you about 2 years ago. Absolutely love everything you do. Kia Kaha from New Zealand.

[@BlackCat-aka-Jewels]

You are a savage lol...( in a very awesome way lol) Climbing into that ship...reminds me when I was kid who did stuff like this quite often ( my folks would have killed me if they only knew😂)...since..finding your channel we are watching all videos as we go! You are very gifted in the production of them....stunning! Thanks for the adventures!🖤🐈‍⬛

[@pamelageren5853]

Dustin. I love your videos. I wish they were a tad bit longer. Safe travels 🤗

[@coryhobbs5386]

Love this stuff. Good speed brother

[@bobmanzi7712]

you are a brave man i must say, that was great stuff thanks for taking me along safe travel

[@nicholasdickson3891]

Yet another awesome Saturday morning video. Can’t believe you went on that island without a gun!!!

[@jacobrobinson175]

Ha 1st love this new channel I found NEW SUBSCRIBER!

[@susancraig4190]

I enjoy your videos so much. Very interesting and fun

[@BoredBusy321Go]

HELLO, Love this. Your channel is Awesome. Thank for all you do.

[@lavondacarter7228]

I, SO AGREE WITH YOU, THAT WOULD BE A PERFECT SPOT FOR A CABIN !

[@donaldfrazier5244]

Justin now tells fish stories,LMAO just pure energy coming from you,keep up the great videos! Thanks

[@Ivinulose]

top notch content brother , you should have millions of subs. fantastic channel.

[@tarafaulkner8659]

Another awesome, beautiful, slightly nerve-wracking video, Dustin! I noticed that the piece of rusted out machinery you came across said Ingersol Rand New York and I grew up in a little town called Painted Post in NY where Ingersol Rand manufactured a LOT of air compressors. They're gone now, of course, but I still remember the stink of the old foundry when they were in full operation wafting through the classroom windows when I was a kid, always reminded me of dead fish, nasty smell that was! Thanks for doing what you do and Stay Safe!!

[@trevorkenny]

I kind of want "Don't get stolen" and "Let's whip it" merch. 2 of my favorite lines in these.

[@1967BlackRose]

Loved the Alaskan adventures.

[@bustercrabbe9767]

That Pelton wheel and Chilean roller mill site was a great find!!!

[@1AloneX2]

@12:26.... absolutely beautiful! Dustin, these videos are getting epic brother! 500K subs coming soon!

[@Destination_Adventure]

500k would be pretty awesome.

[@1AloneX2]

@@Destination_Adventure it's definitely coming!

[@brendakrieger7000]

Shipwrecks are always a favorite!❤

[@karlkarlsson1441]

Thinking flowmeter on that thing you thought was a gage.:) great video!!!!!!!

[@brendanbuster]

27:40 LOL that cut is 💯

[@BombproofCraftsman]

Likely not fish eggs. Probably seeds from some type of berry. The membrane of a fish egg would be broken & digested. I see this often in raccoon scat w/ Yaupon berries. (I do have a bachelors in Animal Science & Wildlife Management, so that basically makes me the leading expert in scat 🤣)

[@liquidgal9867]

Cool, but a shitty job checking out scat! But I guess someone has to do it! 🤣

[@BombproofCraftsman]

@@liquidgal9867 it’s the type of things you pay attention to in the wilderness.

[@liquidgal9867]

@@BombproofCraftsman yeah I know! Just trying to make a funny. People in life can be too serious!

[@BombproofCraftsman]

@@liquidgal9867 lol gotcha, guess I read it wrong. Text is sooo good for conversation 🤪.

[@liquidgal9867]

@@BombproofCraftsman 👍peace out! 🍻cheers!

[@AltraxX]

Love your videos 💙

[@deanolson3804]

Sweet..... Love the show

[@garbonzo540]

Hey Dustin! Glad you found your way to the old ferry, I thought you would think that was cool. The rock mill you found was amazing. I'm also very curious about it's history. There are so many forgotten mines, and the stories of the people who built and worked them always fascinate me. There are several scattered around Ester Dome near my house, and I've always wondered about who worked them, and the chapter of humanity that unfolded there. If you do make it to Fairbanks, I'd be honored to take you around exploring. Another great video though. I'm glad your trip back to Alaska has been so fruitful. You've really managed to make some amazing content. We just got back from Valdez, got our limit of silver salmon, and another couple gallons of shrimp. Digging potatoes now, just finishing out the season. I'm excited to hear about your next adventure.

[@bob_frazier]

You think that big ring gear was on a rock crusher? Good guess, or know for certain?? I was guessing the undercarriage of an old crane.

[@garbonzo540]

@@bob_frazier There was quite a bit of different equipment it looked like, but I definitely noticed a rock mill. It was the most common practice for gold and copper around the turn of the century, and still to this day. They grind the ore to powder, the mix it into a slurry with chemicals to extract the minerals. I've got no less than 4 in a 7 mile radius from my house. The real amazing thing is they drug these things basically into the middle of nowhere with horses and assembled them, then abandoned them.i can only imagine what they must have cost back in those days.

[@bob_frazier]

@@garbonzo540 Thanks B!

[@Destination_Adventure]

Stoked to hear you did well fishing and shrimping. I need your help to show me how to catch a silver salmon. Lol. Next year maybe will be my year for salmon.

[@jetblackjake8510]

I would have been pretty sketched out with the amount of bears in the area, cool episode.

[@allanholly9905]

Very cool!

[@Spielmanjon]

Awesome video!

[@sloppyjoe400]

Getting close to 150k subs! Love seeing this channel grow!

[@joebradshaw1895]

Lol Great video beautiful place . Thanks

[@terrorbulyfe]

Great video and love the adventures. But dang, that’s some risky stuff you do on your own.

[@josephprimavera2545]

Superb video!

[@kend1053]

What you saw on the rear of the ferry was the quadrent which at one time had cables attached to it to move the rudder, or more likely rudders. It appeared you could still see the rudder below. I'm thinking you might want to get a waterproof case for your phone. It wouldn't be good to get stuck in the belly of a rusty old ship and have your phone sitting on a rock 50 feet away. You may actually have another form of communication, (plan B), that said forget my worrying. It's just we gotta keep you safe so we can enjoy more travels. Stay relatively safe.

[@ericvonwiegen5672]

Awesome 👍👍

[@timbarlow3292]

Great video. Keep it up