EXPLORE POW

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 74 miles
Tlingit: Tatxánk

Coffman Cove is a quiet coastal community on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Island, known for its scenic harbor, fishing opportunities, and slower pace of life. Accessible by road, boat, or floatplane, it’s an easy place to settle in and take in the surroundings.

Originally established as a logging camp in the 1950s, the community has evolved, especially following the closure of the Ketchikan pulp mill in the 1990s. Today, Coffman Cove is shaped by its strong commercial and recreational fishing industry and its connection to the water.

Whether you’re stopping in for a visit or staying a while, Coffman Cove offers a peaceful setting and a true sense of island life.

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 29.8 mi
Tlingit: Sháan Séet 

Craig is the largest community on Prince of Wales Island and serves as a central hub for services, transportation, and fishing. With a history spanning over a century, the city celebrated its Centennial in 2022 and continues to play an important role in island life.

Located along the coast, Craig offers easy access to the water, making it a popular spot for fishing and wildlife viewing. Visitors will also find a range of amenities, including local shops, dining, and recreation facilities like the community pool and gym.

For those looking to explore, nearby parks and trails, including Sunnahae Trail and Graveyard Island Trail, offer opportunities to experience the island’s natural beauty.

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 51.6 miles

Edna Bay is a small, remote community on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Island, offering a quieter and more secluded experience. With its close connection to the water and surrounding forest, it reflects the slower pace of life found in many of the island’s smaller communities.

Accessible by road, boat, or floatplane, Edna Bay is a place where visitors can step away from the busier parts of the island and enjoy a more peaceful setting.

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 1 mi

Hollis is the home port of the Inter-Island Ferry Authority and the primary gateway to Prince of Wales Island. This is where travelers arrive and begin their journey across the island.

Located along the eastern shoreline, Hollis offers convenient access by both sea and air, with the floatplane dock situated next to the ferry terminal. Originally a mining town and later a logging camp, the community was established in its current form in 1980 through land sales.

Today, Hollis is a small, close-knit community with essential services including a school, library, and volunteer emergency services. Nearby, the Harris River Picnic Area provides a scenic place to stop, with views of the surrounding mountains and waterways.

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 51.6 mi
Haida: Higdáa G̱ándlaay

Located on the southwestern coast of Prince of Wales Island, Hydaburg is accessible by road, boat, or floatplane. The drive into the community follows the Hydaburg Highway, with access to Forest Service trails, picnic areas, and scenic stops along the way.

Hydaburg is a Haida community with deep cultural roots. In the 1700s, Haida people migrated from Haida Gwaii to Prince of Wales Island, first settling in Kasaan before eventually consolidating in what is now Hydaburg by 1911.

Today, the community remains closely connected to the land and sea, with traditions and values that continue to shape daily life. Visitors can explore local totem parks and experience the cultural significance that defines the area.

Distance from Ferry Terminal: 67.3 mi (by highway) 8.7 nautical miles
Tlingit: Kasa’aan
Haida: Gasa’áan

Located on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Island, Kasaan is a small Haida village with deep historical and cultural significance. The community sits near the original Haida settlement on the island, maintaining a strong connection to its roots.

Kasaan is home to the Chief Son-i-Hat Whale House, the only remaining traditional Haida longhouse in the United States, as well as the Totem Historic District, where visitors can experience preserved totem poles and cultural sites.

The Organized Village of Kasaan (OVK) offers guided tours and lodging for those looking to explore the area more fully. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the land and the cultural importance of these sites.