Prince of Wales Island
Most of Prince of Wales Island is located in the Tongass National Forest. It is 140 miles long by 45 miles wide. It is the third largest Island in the US. The Japanese current of the North Pacific Ocean controls island climate and generates 60-200 inches of annual precipitation. Mean temperatures range: 35 degrees January & 58 degrees July. The Island has 2000 miles worth of road system. The shoreline is 990 miles of rock cliffs, promontories and beaches of broken stone or sand.
The outdoor life is big here. Mountains run the length of the island. Streams flow out in all directions and boil with salmon and steelhead trout during the fishing season. Lakes offer good fishing for cutthroat trout. All 5 species of ocean salmon are available during spring and summer. Huge halibut lurk in cold, deep water all around the island. Multiple species of crabs and shrimp are taken around the island (pots can be placed during a boating or fishing trip and retrieved hours later). Sitka black-tail deer are common along roads and in the alpine country.
Black bears may cross your path, especially in the spring when they are foraging after hibernation. Sea lions are visible on rocks or in protected coves and lagoons, along with sea otters and harbor seals. You can see humpback whales or killer whales up close while on a casual boat outing. Our wilderness also provides ample resources and long days for bird feeding and breeding. There are more than 850 caves on Prince of Wales Island. El Capitan cave is the biggest and longest and has been developed by the US Forest Service for its rich store of geological and zoological stories. Tours are offered during the summer.
Getting Here
Most people arrive via the Inter Island Ferry (IFA) from Ketchikan to Hollis. Feeder service to the IFA is provided by the Alaska Marine Highway from Bellingham, Washington. Others arrive from Ketchikan via small charter plane.