Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Logistics on the Island
PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND FROM THE AIR. FLY OR TAKE THE INTER-ISLAND FERRY FROM KETCHIKAN. IMAGE: ©IZANBAR ⎮DREAMSTIME.COM
2026 Update: Since 2024, cruise ships have been coming to Prince of Wales Island, bringing day-trippers and mass tourism. Although the Island needed the economic boost, many of the locals are not happy - you even say, “shell-shocked.” Be the “right visitor” and always be considerate of the locals, the culture, and the environment.
Getting to Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
When was the last time you were welcomed by a whale? Getting to this island, the largest of about 1,100 that form Alaska's inside passage - the Gateway to Alaska - is part of the fun!
Price of Wales Island is at the southern most tip of the state, the Alexander Archipelago that forms the Inside passage, The Gateway to Alaska!
Enjoy your first glimpse of Prince of Wales Island from the ferry. You may meet a welcoming committee of Humpback Whales, Porpoise, and innumerable sea birds! .Image: Thanks to JFImages01.
Your Adventure Begins at Ketchikan, Alaska
Fly Alaska Air into Ketchikan International Airport from Seattle or Juneau. Delta also has flights to Ketchikan but only at certain times of the year.
From Ketchikan
to
Prince of Wales Island
By Ferry: From Ketchikan, the inter-island ferry will take your family (and vehicle if you rent it in Ketchikan) on a 3-hour cross-channel ride into the former mining and timber town of Hollis.
Book passage in advance and be at the dock at least an hour before sail time. The ferry has a café for a bite or coffee, as well as a play area to keep the kids corralled while you soak up the views. Watch for whales and other marine life.
Pro Tip: Book in advance, especially if you plan to rent a vehicle in Ketchikan. There is only one afternoon crossing from Ketchikan and one morning crossing to Ketchikan per day.
By Air: Local carriers offer seasonally scheduled flights from Ketchikan to Hollis, Thorne Bay, or Craig. Flights to other communities are irregularly available or on demand.
For more information, see Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce
Getting to the island by air is an unforgettable experience. Image by Exit1861 Imagery.com courtesy of Taquian Air
Getting Around on Prince of Wales Island
Once on the island, settle in and enjoy! Hiking, walking, biking the trails, logging roads, and raised boardwalks or canoeing or kayaking the streams are wonderful ways of connecting with the unique ecosystems of the temperate rainforest - but be sure to familiarize yourself with island Responsible Best Practices before you head out.
Exploring the Island By Car
The scenic By-Way zig-zags the length of the island with about 260 miles of paved roads plus many miles of gravel and logging roads. It connects almost all of the Island’s communities. Map thanks to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
You will want a car for exploring on Prince of Wales Island. You can rent one at Ketchikan and bring it to the island by ferry. Or pick one up in Hollis. Either way, a front-wheel or four-wheel drive or SUV is recommended.
With over 1,300 miles (2,100 km) of paved or maintained gravel roads as well as several hundred additional miles of logging roads (good for mountain biking), exploring is easy on this 135-mile (217 km) long, 45-mile (72 km) wide island.
The Scenic Byway zig-zags the island’s length and width. It is 260 miles (418 km) of mostly paved roads connecting almost all of the island’s communities, extending from Point Baker at the extreme northern end to Whale Pass, Naukati Bay, Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, Klawock, Craig, Kasaan, Hollis, and Hydaburg.
Tips from the Department of Transportation
Using a four-wheel drive or a sturdy SUV on the island is highly recommended. Be sure your spare tire is in good shape. Watch your gas gauge and mile markers: Fuel is available in Craig, Klawock, Naukati, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, and Whale Pass. Bring your cell phone car charger.
Looking at the view from Whale Point Cabin. The Scenic By-Way will bring you through some breathtaking country. Image: The Whale Point cabin, Coffman Cove
Accommodations on Prince of Wales Island
WHEN YOU ARE ON PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND YOU ARE PART OF THE FAMILY. YOUR HOSTS AT THE WELCOME INN, TIM AND TERESA, TAKE GOOD SUCH CARE OF YOU, INCLUDING TERESA'S FAMOUS HOME-COOKED MEALS, YOU MAY NEVER WANT TO LEAVE! IMAGE: COURTESY OF THE WELCOME INN
Lodging is a Family Affair
The communities on Prince of Wales Island are small, and the number of tourist rooms is limited. The good news is that local families own and run most of the island lodges. When you are here, you are part of the family - so bring your family! Unfortunately for newcomers, returning guests book with their favorite Island families months or years in advance! The lodges fill quickly - this is not a place to expect a vast list of last-minute choices. Reserve early to ensure you have the accommodations that are most comfortable for you and your family.
Windows reflect the views from the porch at Whale’s Point cabins, Coffman Cove. Image: Whale’s Point Cabins.
The warmth and welcome of these home-based lodges is off the charts - but the amenities score can be uneven. Lodges range from full service to very basic. Many are self-catering, providing a small kitchenette for your self-cooked meals. Others offer breakfast, dinner, and even a packed lunch to enjoy during the day's adventures, either included or available for a small additional cost. Many lodges also offer kayaks, canoes, and land vehicles for rent.
The best advice for Prince of Wales Island is to book your accommodations well in advance. To be sure you find the accommodations most comfortable for your family's needs, inquire about meal availability, bathroom facilities, and any other concerns before you book.
A Note on Responsible Tourism: In the past, most tourists who arrived here came to the Island for sport fishing or hunting. We do not encourage or condone hunting or (non-catch and release) sport fishing, and have tried to steer away from those lodges that specifically cater to these activities.
We request that visitors respect their hosts and other guests at all times. Hunting and fishing licenses are an economic fact of life. As responsible tourism grows, it will, over time, lessen the need for it.
Choosing Your Lodging "Base Camp"
The island is small enough to be able to do a good bit of exploring with day trips from a central location. The communities of Crag or Thorn Bay, the largest of the island’s towns, are situated in the midsection, almost exactly opposite each other, on the east and west sides of the oval-ish shaped island. Either is a reasonable drive from the ferry port at Hollis. At least two small air carriers have regularly scheduled flights between Craig or Thorn Bay and Ketchikan.
Craig (Population 1127)
The peninsula at Craig, Prince of Wales Island’s largets city, from the air.
Fresh seafood chowder is just one of the home-cooked dishes from the Fish and Chicks food truck (yes, it's an actual food truck!) in Craige. Image: Fish & Chicks, Facebook.
Craig, on Prince of Wales Island's western coast, is the Island's largest town - and a fabulous place to begin your visit to Prince of Wales Island. Watch whales and sea birds without leaving land, hike the trails including the famous Graveyard walk; some are wheelchair accessible. See "Prince of Wales Island: Things to Do" for more. Craig is also the place to find just about anything you need, including: lodging, car fuel, shops, cafes, and medical care.
Sunnahae Hotel. The Sunnahae property consists of a small hotel with ten rooms, and two large detached cabins and one efficiency cabin. The main hotel building is comfortable and has one accessible room downstairs, but for a special treat, or if you are bringing a family, book early to stay in one of their cabins. They are fully furnished, have a kitchen and bath, sleep five, and look out over the most beautiful water views you will ever see.
Stock up on your favorite sundowner beverage and enjoy it from the porch. There is WiFi and laundry facilities in the hotel and in each cabin. There is also an events room that holds 40 comfortably - perfect for family reunions.
No food is served here, but walk over to the Fish & Chicks, a food truck in the Craig Tribal Association parking lot run by a couple of local ladies, for a freshly caught al fresco dinner, or stop into the Dock Side Galley for home-cooked burgers, fish, salads, and more. Self-catering in the cabins.
Thorne Bay (Population 500)
“The Claw” is the world’s largest log handling grapples once lifted 5-ton old-growth logs. Now retired, it welcomes you to Thron Bay. Hike the nearby trails to experience the amazing giant rainforest trees, which were once used for harvesting. Image: Tom Howley visiting from Santa Fe, Texas. Says Tom, "It's beautiful up there!" That’s his beautiful wife, Thelma, planking at the top.
Thorne Bay was once a logging town; in fact, at one time it was considered one of the planet’s largest. Look for the town’s welcome sign, made from one of the world’s largest log handling grapples. Frankly, we are happy to see it put to a more benign use.
Update 2026: The Inn we recommended years ago is closed - hopefully temporarily. Close by is the Boardwalk Lodge, an ORVIS-endorsed lodge. It features suites and individual rooms and includes meals.
Is the Boardwalk Lodge locally owned? We do not know yet, but we will check it out. It is very supportive of conservation and social initiatives on the Island and beyond. The Lodge caters to fishing tourists. We will let you know more as we can.
Coffman Cove (Population 200)
THE VIEW FROM THE PORCH AT WHALE POINT CABIN, COFFMAN COVE. HUMPBACKS BUBBLE FEEDING IN THE BAY. IMAGE: THANKS TO WHALE POINT CABIN.
Coffman Cove is Prince of Wales Island’s most northern community accessible by paved road - and well worth the effort to explore.
The Whale Point Cabin. Four cabins with kitchenette that will sleep from 2 to 5 people each. Self catering. Located on the bay. Car and water craft rental available. The view is free.
Klawock (Population 777)
KLAWOCK IS ACTUALLY ANOTHER SMALL ISLAND ACCESSIBLE BY ROAD BRIDGE FROM THE PRINCE OF WALES 'MAIN LAND" THE OLD FISH CANNERY LOOKS OUT OVER THE BAY AND SOME BREATH-TAKING MOUNTAIN SCENERY. IMAGE: KLAWOCK COMMUNITY FACEBOOK PAGE.
The Fireweed Lodge, family friendly, full service, including captained boats for whale watching, etc. Image: The Fireweed Lodge.
The Fireweed Lodge. This lodge was recommended to us by a mainland transplant who specifically mentioned the workout room and basketball court. He and his family love it. It is considerably more expensive than some smaller options, but it also offers far more amenities than a home-based lodge.
There are 18 well appointed rooms here, six with views overlooking the Klawock Estuary a favorite of bears, deer, and eagles! Each room has a private bath.
Fireweed Lodge caters to sport fishermen. As such, they offer complete packages that include captained boats, which can be used for viewing whales, orcas, porpoises, seals, sea lions, and seabirds, as well as for fishing. Family friendly. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served.
Camping on Prince of Wales Island
All of Prince of Wales Island is bear country. Although black bears are not usually aggressive, careless or irresponsible behavior can change that. The Forestry Service has recommended responsible practices; review them prior to beginning your adventure.
THE RED BAY LAKE RENTAL CABIN IS ONE OF MANY FOREST SERVICE RUSTIC CABINS AVAILABLE FOR RENT. IMAGE: COURTESY OF LUKE.
Forestry cabins. There are 21 recreational cabins scattered through out Prince of Wales Island - from the mountains to the beaches. A few are accessible by road vehicle, a few from the water, including Karta Lake cabin mentioned in "Prince of Wales Island: Things to Do". Many of the cabins are remote and all are rustic. Reserve in advance.
Campgrounds. Prince of Wales Island welcomes campers. The following are two Forestry Service campgrounds that have accessible sheltered picnic areas, vault toilets, fire rings, grills, and ample opportunity for trail hiking and other activities.
Harris River near Craig
Eagle Nest Campgrounds near Thorne Bay. Eagle Nest also has a boat ramp, kayaking, canoeing, and an interpretive trail. See the Balls Lake section of Prince of Wales Island: Things to Do" for more information.
Prince of Wales Island also has numerous private campgrounds, some attached to lodges. The campsite section of the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce website is a good place to look for sites that fit your specific needs.
Food and Cuisine on Prince of Wales Island
“When you dine with us, prepare to indulge!” So says Cahes of the Fireweed Lodge. Their classically trained culinary experts will delight at every meal! Image: The Fireweed Lodge
The right-from-the-water fish and their burgers are great at the Dockside cafe in Craig, but don’t miss the homemade desserts! Image: Dockside Cafe.
Local is Ingredients - Local Conversation
Restaurants are low key, casual, and limited in number and hours of operation, but they are also places to get a surprising array of good home cooking, from fresh sushi to burgers, to fish tacos, chowders, and grilled meats. And do not forget dessert! Many of the ingredients are locally grown or caught.
The family owned restaurants are also great places to get to know the locals. Ask them about their favorite places in the rainforest or where they go to see whales and otters!
Self catering is big here and a convenient option when traveling with a family. Every village will at least have a little grocery, and many of the lodges include self-catering facilities: a refrigerator, microwave,a small stove, and sometimes utensils and pots, if not a full kitchen.
The bears are not the only ones enjoying the fresh local lueberries on Prince of Wales Island. Enjoy the world’s best berries - in season only!
FAst food is not like this on the mainland! Drop by and catch the daily specials at The Fish & Chicks food truck in Craig. Image: Fish & Chicks
Ask Us a Question About Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
For More On Prince of Wales Island
Special Thanks
To Luke and others on Prince of Wales island who prefer to remain nameless
but whose enthusiasm and love for their wonderful home is surpassed only by their generosity.
and to the
U.S Forestry Service at Prince of Wales Island for their time, help, and enthusiasm for this very special place.
JFimages01, photography. Follow him on Facebook
Teresa and Tim from The Welcome Inn at Thorne Bay and the the good folks at Sunnahae Hotel in Craig
The Whale Point Cabin Like them on Facebook and The Alaska Lodge and Retreat. Like them on Facebook
Tom Howley and Sam Sawyer and the Fish & Chicks food truck and The Dockside Cafe
The Alaska Life, Alaska, and the Prince of Wales, the Klawock Community, and the Authentic Alaskan Travel Facebook pages
THE OLD GROWTH RAINFOREST OF TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST, BEARS, WOLVES, EAGLES, OTTERS, AND WHALES, GOOD FOOD, AND STRANGER WHO BECOME FAMILY - TOP IT OFF BY A RAINBOW AND THIS MUST BE PARADISE: PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND, ALASKA. IMAGE: SAM SAWYER VIA THIS ALASKAN LIFE FACEBOOK PAGE
