Prince of Wales Island Is One of the Greatest Places on Earth

Boardwalk Lodge gives you a front-row seat to the wild side of Southeast Alaska. Nestled on the eastern edge of Prince of Wales Island, our lodge offers guided fishing, quiet lodging, and easy access to outdoor adventures that most people can only dream about.

From the moment you step off the floatplane, you’re surrounded by some of the richest, rawest nature in North America. Prince of Wales Island is the size of Delaware, but only has about 6,000 residents. You'll find the adventure, peace and solitude you're looking for!

If you're here to fish, hike, kayak, or just unplug, Prince of Wales Island delivers the kind of experience that sticks with you. Here are the best reasons to visit this untamed corner of Alaska—and why Boardwalk Lodge is the perfect base for it all.

Outdoor Adventures on Prince of Wales Island

Prince of Wales Island opens the door to unforgettable outdoor experiences. Guests can add guided excursions through Alaska Eco Adventures, available right from the lodge. It’s an easy way to explore more of the island’s wild side between fishing days.

World-Class Fishing

Fishing around Prince of Wales Island is unmatched. You can chase wild steelhead in clear mountain streams, hook bright salmon fresh from the ocean, or head offshore for halibut and rockfish.

In freshwater, spring brings steelhead—hard-fighting sea-run rainbow trout that test your skills on a fly rod. Later in the season, rivers fill with runs of coho, chum, and pink salmon. You’ll also find sea-run cutthroat trout and dolly varden in the mix.

Out on the saltwater, the action is just as steady. Guided trips from Boardwalk Lodge target halibut, lingcod, black rockfish, and silver salmon in the rich waters of Clarence Strait and beyond. The diversity here means every cast could bring something different.

Boardwalk Lodge provides everything you need—comfortable boats, experienced guides, and all gear included. Experienced anglers settle in quickly, while first-time guests find it easy to pick up a rod and enjoy the action. It’s fishing that’s both relaxed and rewarding.

Abundant Wildlife

Wildlife is everywhere on Prince of Wales Island. You don’t have to go far to see black bears feeding along the shoreline or bald eagles perched high in the spruce trees. In the ocean, you might spot a pod of killer whales cruising the bay or catch a glimpse of a humpback whale breaching in the distance.

Harbor seals and sea otters often pop up near the dock, curious and unbothered by human presence. Inland, Sitka black-tailed deer move quietly through the forest.

The best part? You won’t be sharing these sightings with crowds. You’ll often have them all to yourself—or just your guide and a camera.

Tongass National Forest

Prince of Wales Island lies in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, the largest temperate rainforest in the world. It stretches over 16 million acres, filled with ancient trees, moss-draped branches, and quiet trails that lead deep into the backcountry.

Boardwalk Lodge gives you direct access to Misty Fjords and breathtaking views. Whether you’re hiking to a hidden waterfall, birdwatching in the forest canopy, or simply walking a gravel trail under towering Sitka spruce, the Tongass surrounds you in a way that few places can.

It's wild, peaceful, and alive with color—especially in summer when ferns, salmonberry bushes, and wildflowers line every path.

Coastal Adventure

With over 2,000 miles of shoreline, Prince of Wales Island offers more coastline than any other island in the U.S. That means endless opportunities for beachcombing, tidepooling, and coastal exploration.

Launch a kayak from the beach just steps from the lodge and explore quiet inlets and hidden coves. Paddle along the forested shoreline and watch as seals, otters, and seabirds move around you.

At low tide, explore tidepools teeming with sea stars, anemones, and tiny crabs. The beaches here aren’t crowded—they’re wild. You can walk for miles and never see another person.

Native Heritage

Prince of Wales Island is home to the Haida and Tlingit people, whose traditions run deep through the land and waters here. Visiting cultural sites adds another layer to your trip—one of history, identity, and connection.

Take a tour to see traditional Haida totem poles standing tall in the villages of Kasaan and Hydaburg. Visit carving sheds where skilled artists shape cedar into clan symbols and stories. Talk to local residents and learn how salmon, cedar, and family are woven into every part of life.

It’s a chance to see Alaska beyond the scenery and understand the people who have called this island home for thousands of years.

El Capitan Cave

One of the island’s most surprising features lies underground. El Capitan Cave is the largest known cave in Alaska and part of a much larger network of limestone caverns.

A short hike through the rainforest brings you to the cave entrance, where you can take a guided tour into its cool, dark interior. Inside, you’ll find ancient formations, underground chambers, and layers of rock that tell a story millions of years in the making.

El Capitan is remote but well worth the effort—and it’s a great way to experience another side of Alaska’s natural beauty.

Alaska Glacier Tours

Boardwalk Lodge Glacier Tours take you close to Southeast Alaska's most dramatic glaciers. Flights and boat trips lead you to ice giants like Mendenhall, Hubbard, and Margerie. These are living ice monuments—breathtaking walls of ice that rise from water and crack with thunderous force.

Options range from aerial glacier tours to kayak-and-boat trips. An aerial tour drops you into the heart of the Juneau Icefield and Glacier Bay’s wild glaciers. Boat or kayak tours let you glide among floating icebergs at the glacier face. Each choice delivers an up-close glimpse into Alaska’s icy power.

Scenic Drives

While much of Alaska is only accessible by boat or plane, Prince of Wales Island has a road system that makes exploration easier. Driving here is part of the adventure.

You’ll pass wide valleys, coastal cliffs, and dense rainforest, with the chance to stop at rivers, creeks, and pullouts along the way. Waterfalls tumble down roadside cliffs, and open views offer glimpses of the ocean and surrounding islands.

From Craig to Coffman Cove, the roads wind through forest, coastline, and quiet coves. Every stretch offers something new to see, with plenty of spots worth pulling over.

Hiking Trails

Prince of Wales Island has hikes for every level, from easy boardwalk trails through muskeg meadows to challenging ridge climbs with big views.

Near the lodge, guests can access coastal paths with ocean overlooks or head inland to explore old-growth forests and alpine basins. The trails aren’t crowded or overdeveloped—just well-marked, quiet, and rich with sights and sounds.

Favorites include:

●   Harris River Trail – Take a gentle walk along a scenic river.

●   Twenty Mile Spur Trail – Explore a forested trail with berry picking and wildlife.

●   Karta River Trail – Follow a remote salmon stream through the heart of the forest.

Bring a camera, sturdy boots, and a little curiosity—you’ll be rewarded at every turn.

Wild Berries

In late summer, the trails and roadsides of Prince of Wales Island are lined with wild berries. Blueberries, salmonberries, and huckleberries grow thick along hiking paths, forest clearings, and open ridgelines.

It’s easy to pick a handful as you walk, and many visitors end up filling whole containers during their outings. The flavor is intense—sweeter and stronger than anything from a store.

Just be sure to pick responsibly and leave some for the birds and bears.

Peace and Solitude

One of the biggest differences between Prince of Wales Island and other parts of Alaska? No cruise ships. No crowds. No big tour buses.

This is a place for people who want to experience real wilderness. You won’t be bumping elbows with other travelers or waiting in lines. You can fish a remote stream, join a nature walk, or sit down to dinner at the lodge. It all feels calm, personal, and unrushed.

Here, the loudest thing you’ll hear is the wind in the trees or the splash of a fish on the line.

Tidewater Access

Boardwalk Lodge is right on the water. That means you don’t need to go far to start your adventure. You can launch a kayak, fish from the shore, or walk along the beach—all just steps from your cabin.

In the morning, watch for otters in the bay. In the evening, beachcomb or skip rocks as the sun drops behind the forested hills. The connection to the tide is real here, and you’ll feel it every day.

Plan Your Alaska Escape

Prince of Wales Island is wild, scenic, and full of things you can’t find anywhere else. From trophy fishing and remote hikes to cultural history and quiet moments on the beach, this is Alaska at its best.

It's easy to experience it all—with warm hospitality, expert guides, and unmatched access to the island’s best adventures.

Boardwalk Lodge offers guided fishing, luxurious lodging, and access to unforgettable wilderness. Give us a call at 907-204-8832 or book your trip today to see why this island is one of the greatest places on Earth.