Prince of Wales Island
Prince of Wales Island is in Southeastern Alaska, and is one of the largest islands in the United States. Although it has several small communities, most of the island is part of the Tongass National Forest, which covers much of Southeastern Alaska.
Understand
About half of Klawock's residents are Native Americans of the Tlingit nation.
This fish hatchery enhances the runs of salmon, including sockeye, coho, and steelhead. A sawmill and area logging operations are located here.
Get in
Prince of Wales is only accessible by ferry or plane.
- 🌍 Klawock Airport (KLW IATA). Island Air Express from Ketchikan. Alaska Seaplanes provides flights from Juneau and Sitka.
There are three different airlines that operate between Ketchikan (KLW IATA) and Hollis.
- Pacific Airways, ☏ +1 907-225-3500.
- Promech, Inc., ☏ +1 907-225-3845.
- LAB Flying Service, ☏ +1 907-247-5220.
By ferry
Alaska's Inter-Island Ferry runs from Ketchikan to Hollis (Prince of Wales Island) once a day. It leaves Ketchikan at 3:30PM and arrives in Hollis at 6:30PM. The fare is under $40.00 for passengers and extra for cars.
- Inter-Island Ferry Authority, ☏ +1-866-308-4848. Ferry service (daily, 3 hours) is available from Ketchikan to the Prince of Wales Island community of Hollis on the M/V Prince of Wales, which is connected by road to Klawock. Adult $49, senior (65+ years) $27, child (2–11) $22.
See
Klawock has a harbor, often used by tourists as a departure point for trips or boating exploration of the bays, inlets, and surrounding islands.
The Totem Park has 21 totem poles, one of the largest collections in Alaska: it displays original and replica totems from the old village of Tuxekan. You can visit a carving shed built by the city to house the poles during restoration. In 1998 the city commissioned construction of a Long House (named Gaanì Ax Adi) with a new totem pole.
Do
Each February 16, the Elizabeth Peratrovich Celebration features ceremonies and a potluck. It honors a local resident who was president of the Alaska Native Sisterhood, and worked in the 1940s on anti-discrimination legislation. The city also sponsors a summer festival, the Celebration by the Sea.
Fishing charters offer day trips to catch King, sockeye, and silver salmon.
Buy
- Black Bear Store, 6624 Big Salt Road, is a convenience store that sells gasoline, propane, fishing tackle and bait.
- Klawock Market, 800 East Klawock Highway, grocery store.
- Tongass Federal Credit Union, 800 East Klawock Highway, has an ATM.
Eat
Most of the restaurants are in Craig.
- Dockside Cafe (Located across from the docks), ☏ +1 907-826-5544. Open at 5:30AM.
- Papa's Pizza, Westwind Plaza, ☏ +1 907-826-2244. Pizza, salads and sandwiches.
Sleep
- A Place to Stay Cabin Rentals, 6417 C Street, ☏ +1 907 755-2609. Four cabins that sleep two to six people each. Walking distance to the beach and river.
- Changing Tides Inn, ☏ +1 907 401-3075, +1 907 401-3068. 1- or 2-bedroom suites: Oct-Mar $95/night, Apr-Sep $150/night.