Explore Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area

On the Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route, six lakes are connected by short boardwalks across the portages. Other seasonal highlights include salmon and bears, hiking trails with varied character, and a vast island region with coastal routes.

Salmon and seasonal wildlife viewing

At Sarkar Rapids, sockeye salmon migrating upstream in July attract black bears and harbor seals. The timing of the salmon run can shift from year to year. At the fish ladder at Prince of Wales Hatchery, you can watch numerous coho and sockeye salmon spawning in the Klawock River. Salmon there attract bears throughout the summer and fall, especially in August, when the run peaks. This peak can also vary from year to year.

Hiking trails and viewpoints

The Beaver Falls Interpretive Trail is about half a mile round trip. The route leads from a muskeg area into a karst landscape with sinkholes. The One Duck Trail offers a different challenge: this strenuous hike opens onto impressive views of the Harris River watershed. Trail conditions can change; check them before your hike.

The Fish Creek Wildlife Observation Site is about three miles north of Hyder, in a glaciated river valley with diverse wildlife. Wildlife sightings vary by season. The site includes a 600-foot elevated wooden viewing platform and a raised boardwalk along a spawning channel. The viewing platform, parking lot, and restroom are wheelchair accessible. Check these details again before your visit.

Prince of Wales Island: landscape and coast

Prince of Wales Island is defined by rugged, mountainous terrain, rocky coastlines, and densely forested slopes. Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red and yellow cedar dominate the forests. Smaller islands clustered along the west coast form a protective barrier against the open sea.

The coast of Prince of Wales Island offers opportunities to kayak among coves, inlets, saltwater passages, and sheltered islands. Big Salt Lake is known for its calm waters and good birdwatching, and makes a suitable day trip by kayak from Klawock. Many visitors mountain bike along the hundreds of miles of forest roads on Prince of Wales Island; road conditions can vary.

Getting around by road and water

Prince of Wales Island’s main road network includes paved roads and improved gravel roads leading to coastal areas and into the mountains. A scenic drive follows the 37-mile South Beach Road from Coffman Cove to Thorne Bay along the Clarence Strait. Road surfaces and conditions can change; check them before you set out.

Prince of Wales Island can be reached from Ketchikan via the Inter-Island Ferry Authority. Schedules can change, so check sailing times before your trip.

A culinary event in Coffman Cove

At the annual Arts in the Cove Festival in Coffman Cove, vendor booths offering freshly caught seafood are part of the event. These are available as part of the festival. If you plan to attend, check the dates for that year’s event.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Coffman Cove, Anchorage, Valdez-Cordova Census Area, Aleutian Islands, Nome Census Area, Haines Borough, Juneau, Aleutians West Census Area

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