Prince
of Wales Island Alaska General Information
Overview:
It is the second largest island of Alaska (Kodiak Island is the
biggest) with elevation from sea level up to 4,000 feet. The
island measures roughly 135 miles from north to south and 45
miles from east to west and is 2,231 square miles.
Average rainfall is around 100 inches per year and climate remain
generally mild and moist throughout the entire year. Snow fall
is very modest in winter in the lower altitudes of the island.
Climate:
Prince of Wales Island is dominated by a cool, moist, maritime
climate. Average summer temperatures range from 49 to 63 degrees
Far. and average from 32 to 42 degrees Far. in winter. Average
annual precipitation is 120 inches, including 40 inches of snow.
Gale winds are common in the fall and winter months.
History:
The Island was a site for lumbermills and mining camps since the
1800's, but salmon led to permanent settlement of several communities.
There are around 25 canneries throughout the island to process
salmon but the main activity remain logging. Prince of Wales
Island offers uncrowded backcountry; kayaking and canoeing waters;
good fishing for salmon, trout, halibut, and other bottom fish;
excellent opportunities to view wildlife and some historical
attractions.
Point of interest:
El Capitan Cave:
Located north of Whale Pass, off North Island Road, El Capitan's
pit is the deepest of southeast Alaska and is an impressive limestone
cave system. Scientific discoveries were found in those caves,
including bones of a grizzly bear aged at 12,295 years and bones
of a black bear aged at 11,565 years. Guided tour available in
summer, limited to maximum of 6 persons per tour.
Camping and hiking:
There are several private campgrounds with hookups on the Island
and one developed USFS campground in Thorne Bay (camping fee).
Several undeveloped camping sites are available along the Island
road system.
There are also more than 20 USFS cabins available to public use
around the island. These cabins are accessible by boat, float plane
or on foot, see with the local Ranger Districts for information,
reservation, and fees for each cabin.
Ranger Station at Craig (907) 826-3271
Ranger Station at Thorne Bay (907) 828-3304
Source: AlaskaOnline.org
