Our Island
Coming to Prince of Wales Island means leaving the crowds behind. Fly by float plane over dramatic southeast Alaska. The DeHavilland float planes give the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time as the engines roar, you gain speed and lift off the water to gain altitude. Below are tiny fishing boats, mountain tops and miles of coastline. Behind you are the cruise ships & crowded tourist shops and ahead of you lies Prince of Wales Island. Untouched, quiet streams await your arrival. We like the fact that the island is remote, yet only 30 minutes from the nearest airport.
Upon arrival you will notice the steep, forested mountains (2,000-3,000 feet high) carved by glacial ice which left deep valleys with streams, lakes, saltwater straits and bays. The forest is made up of Sitka spruce and western hemlock with some western red and yellow cedar, alder, and shore pine. At 60 miles wide by 120 miles long you will have plenty of exploring to do. The extensive road system winds through the evergreens and along the famous inside passage. With more roads then the rest of the Southeast Alaska region you will enjoy the endless river, lake and stream access.
Sitka black tailed deer and black bear are the primary game animals, and the island supports many packs of wolves. During the month of June mother deer and their tiny, spotted fawns can be seen along the roads as they take their first steps on wobbly legs! Eagles are a common sight and waterfowl abound. Bear are often spotted along the shores and on the riverbanks fishing for salmon. Abundant supplies of salmon, trout, and steelhead can be found in the streams. Many people fish the salt water for the five species of salmon, or for halibut, ling cod and other bottom fish. Humpback and killer whales are spotted during migration and feeding in the summer. Although we have lived here for many years, we never tire of watching them as they dive and feed.
For a list of other activities on the island, click here.
Weather in Thorne Bay
Adventure Alaska Southeast, LLC is located 40 miles northwest of Ketchikan on the Prince of Wales Island. A cool, moist climate prevails in southeast Alaska. During the summers, average temperatures may vary from 46 to 70 degrees! Precipitation is always possible during your stay on the island regardless of the time of year. Rainfall averages from 60 to 160 inches per year. Good rain gear and waterproof boots are recommended as well as clothing that can handle the temperature ranges described. To see a full list of recommended things to bring CLICK HERE
How to Get Here
Leave the crowds behind, fly by floatplane over dramatic southeast Alaska. The DeHaviland floatplanes give the feeling that you’ve stepped back in time as the engines roar, you gain speed and lift off the water to gain altitude. Below are tiny fishing boats, mountain tops and miles of coastline. Behind you are the crowded tourist shops and ahead of you lies Prince of Wales Island. Untouched, quiet streams await your arrival in the small town of Thorne Bay in less than 40 minutes.
How to get here:
You must reach Ketchikan via Alaska Airlines. Seattle is the jumping-off point for getting to Ketchikan for most USA flights. Some international flights will route to Ketchikan through Anchorage. No matter where in the world you call home, you will have to connect with Ketchikan before taking a floatplane or ferry to Prince of Wales Island, the final leg of your trip. We recommend the floatplane as it is the fastest way to complete your journey. Many of our guests arrive with enough time to get hours of fishing in on their first day. If you have your own plane (as some of our guests do) you can also utilize the airport in Klawock and we can pick you up there.
Our small town of Thorne Bay holds the historic title of the World’s Largest Logging Camp.
What began as a logging camp back in the early 1960’s is now one of the newest cities in Alaska, incorporated in 1982. The timber industry kept the small town booming with a whopping population of around 600 until the final timber sale was completed in 2001. Now the population hovers around 500 residents. The school enrolls about 75 students Kindergarten through 12th grade.
Today Thorne Bay is home to the local school district, a large Forest Service complex, some small fishing lodges, the barge terminal that services the entire island, small owner-operated saw mills and other small businesses.
Local Services
Local services include Thorne Bay Market (we think it’s the best grocery store on the island), liquor store and hardware store; general merchandise, boat fuel, convenience store, gas, diesel and post office at The Port.
Alaska Airlines:
www.alaskaair.com 1-800-252-7522
From Seattle you can expect a 90-minute flight to Ketchikan, Alaska. Once you’re in Ketchikan the airport is small and all you have to do is pick-up your luggage at baggage carousel #1 –the only baggage carousel! If you’re connecting with a float plane to the island, keep your camera out for the scenic 30-minute flight to Thorne Bay on Prince of Wales Island, where we will be waiting to meet you at the dock.
Alaska Airlines’ baggage fees:
$30 first bag, $40 second bag, $100 third bag
3 or more: $100 Note: Alaska Airlines may change prices at any time. For current and complete details click here
FISH BOXES: On the day of your departure, we will put your fish or game in a wax lined fish box and strap it for airline travel. (It is weighed not to exceed the 50lb limit.) Fish boxes can be checked as regular baggage.
2020 Alaska Airlines prices for fish boxes-
1 Box- $30
2 Boxes-$40
3 Boxes and more-$100 each
Alaska Airlines, Horizon, and SkyWest flights have changed their carry-on size limit to 22” x 14” x 9”
As always we are excited for the 2024 season and to see you all again. If you are coming for the first time we are looking forward to meeting you. This year we are going to be offering several different options to get on and off Prince of Wales Island. We’re happy to announce that we’re partnering* with SeaWind Aviation and making special efforts in offering you the best floatplane travel experience possible. This means that the new point of contact will be SeaWind Aviation for your float plane travels this year. We will still be here for questions and concerns but all float plane travel will be booked through the SeaWind
office.
Want to check out the Misty Fjords or land in a mountain lake? SeaWind has the ability to
incorporate flightseeing with your travel. Tired of packing bags around Ketchikan? SeaWind is
offering shuttle services between their waterfront location and the airport ferry, as well as your
hotel, should you need one. Because of changes with travel, it has become important
that you reach out to SeaWind sooner than later, and ideally before March 10th. Please
understand that even if you book after March 10th, SeaWind will still be your point of contact
and primary flight service, and they will still be able to connect you with us here in Thorne Bay,
however, the availability of your preferred flights may begin to diminish. The goal is for you to
have the greatest ease of travel and the most enhanced experience possible. We are grateful to
have SeaWind on our team this year and would like to tell you more on why we think they are
best suited to serve you.
Float Plane Charter
Charter only in a “Beaver” is a great option if you have a group of 4-5 and you are trim and pack light. It’s not the best if you are full size and pack lots of gear. The nice thing is you shouldn’t have to wait for the plane, you basically own the flight and can pick your departure time as long as it falls inside our arrival and departure timelines. Useful load on a Beaver is 1200 pounds, this includes all passengers and baggage, (maximum of 6 passengers)
Cost is approximately around $850 for the flight One way, $1700 Round trip. Price subject to carrier
Charter only in a “Otter” is a great option if you need a little more room than a Beaver can provide but you don’t want to charter two Beavers, the “Otter” is a larger aircraft with a useful load of 2400# pounds, this includes all passengers and baggage (maximum of 10 passengers – if you have 10 people, they can only put 100 pounds of cargo in the back).
Cost is approximately $1560 for the flight One way, $3120 Round trip. Price subject to carrier
Float Plane Seat Fare
there are no reliable float plane services offering seat fares that will work to connect you to us in Thorne Bay.
For booking and pricing you can call SeaWind at 907-225-1206 or go to their website here at: www.seawindaviation.com
Island Air Express
REALLY NEED TO MAKE YOUR CONNECTION? This the only flight service to offer instrument rated service to our island. Basically, having these instruments on-board keeps these planes flying on schedule even when float planes are on weather hold.
Cost is $175.00 One way $350 Round trip.
Passengers are limited to 50 lbs. of baggage. Excess baggage is subject to a charge of $.92 cents per pound per flight (each way)
**** This wheel plane arrives in Klawock so transportation to and from Klawock has to be made (approx. 40 min from Adventure AK). Shuttle service 40 min, shuttle prices are $100 per Shuttle trip with a maximum of five passengers
Inter Island Ferry
REALLY NEED TO MAKE YOUR CONNECTION? The Inter Island Ferry is pretty much the local cruise line, most residents travel on the ferry because it is so affordable and rain or shine its always on time. It only runs once a day so you must coordinate your flights OR overnight Ketchikan. *** see below for details
Children 2-11 $23.50
Adults 12-64 $52.00
Seniors 65+ $28.50
There is a $10 charge for each fish box or fish cooler transported on IFA vessel traveling from HOLLIS to KETCHIKAN. The first fish box or fish cooler is FREE and each one after is $10. Fish boxes/coolers, like all other luggage, must be accompanied by a passenger.
***Ketchikan to Thorne Bay Details: Ferry check in is at 2:30 pm so allow time to get from the airport to the ferry (arrive Ketchikan airport no later than 1:30pm on Alaska flights 65 or 177) and arrives Hollis (POW Island) at 6:30pm ***Once in Hollis you will need to take the shuttle bus to Thorne Bay, this is $150.00 per vehicle each holding a maximum of 5 passengers Shuttle time to Thorne Bay is 1.5hrs
***Thorne Bay to Ketchikan Details: Shuttle from Thorne Bay to Hollis departs at 6:00am ferry arrives in Ketchikan @11:00am
Adventure Alaska Shuttle service
Thorne Bay to Klawock (Island Air Express Terminal) $100 per shuttle trip with a maximum of five passengers
Thorne Bay to Hollis (Inter Island Ferry Terminal) $150 per shuttle trip with a maximum of five passengers
Inter-Island Ferry:
1-866-308-4848
The Inter-Island Ferry Authority offers service between Ketchikan and Hollis. This is about a three hour cruise on the Inside Passage. You will arrive in Hollis on Prince of Wales Island about 50 miles from Thorne Bay. If you choose to come to the island via ferry, you will need transportation to Adventure Alaska. We charge $150 per shuttle trip with a maximum of five passengers, to shuttle to or from the ferry. Please notify us as soon as you’ve made ferry reservations so that we can make arrangements to pick you up.
The Ferry Schedule
Daily Depart Hollis 8:00 AM – Arrive Ketchikan 11:00 AM
Daily Depart Ketchikan 3:30 PM – Arrive Hollis 6:30 PM
Departure and arrival times may vary due to weather conditions.
No Sailings on July 4th , Independance Day
Ferry Pricing:
Adult – $52.00 (12-64 years)
Senior – $28.50 (65 & Older)
Child – $23.50 (2-11 years)
Under 2 years – FREE
First fish box is free. Additional fish boxes are $10 each.
Always check Inter Island Ferry Authority website for the most up-to-date pricing and schedule:
www.interislandferry.com
DIRECTIONS TO DRIVE TO OR FROM THE FERRY FROM ADVENTURE ALASKA SOUTHEAST, LLC
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Other travel tips
All sorts of unforeseen circumstances can disrupt vacation plans. We cannot issue refunds if your trip is delayed or interrupted or must be cancelled, nor are we responsible for injuries or medical transport. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU OBTAIN TRIP INSURANCE.
Alaska Airlines allows two carry on bags as well as your checked baggage.. On your return flight fish boxes can be checked as regular baggage.
While booking flights online at times it is difficult to get the round trip flights you want. We sometimes find the exact flights we want by booking two one way flights. The same is true for air miles, also with air miles you will often find two separate one way flights for the minimum miles required whereas the round trip might cost more miles.
The Alaska Airline credit card has great travel benefits. Many of our guests as well as the Adventure Alaska Southeast, LLC team use this card for travel every year. It can significantly reduce travel expenses.
The card has an annual fee of $75.00 and upon approval they will give you 25,000 bonus miles. That is enough for one free ticket to Alaska. Another benefit is the “Travel companion ticket” this coupon allows the purchase of one full fare ticket and your companion only has to pay $121.00 plus taxes. (Usually about $22.00) Travel companion tickets come with a new card and are also given once a year upon renewal of card. This card also accrues miles for every dollar spent. We do not work for Visa but this information is just too good not to share! Many of our repeat guests fly for free every year. To take advantage of this great deal:www.myalaskacard.com
Staying overnight in Ketchikan:
Some guests like to spend an extra night in Ketchikan on the way to or from Adventure Alaska Southeast, LLC. Here are some contact numbers for hotels in Ketchikan. Some of these hotels offer discounts for guests traveling through Ketchikan to Adventure Alaska Southeast, LLC. Mention our name to check for current discounts.
Cape Fox 1-907-225-8001
The Landing 1-800-428-8304
My Place 1-855-200-5685
Edgewater Inn 1-907-247-2600
Fish Run
Fish Identifier Charts:
(Files below in PDF Format)
Tackle
Our Tackle Shop
Our small on-site tackle store stocks most of the fishing gear and tackle that we recommend for the local waters. Whether you are choosing our self-guided option and consider yourself experienced or if your fishing skills are a little rusty, our aim is to assist you for the best fishing success. We are happy to show you first-hand all you’ll need to hit the streams with confidence!
Fly Fishing
Fly-casting is fun and rewarding, larger patterns work better as our water tends to be darker, swing fishing is key to catching Steelhead, roll casting will be necessary on some creeks and a fast strip is sure to put a salmon on your line.
Spin Fishing
Spin-fishing is fun from child to adult, novice to pro. It is a great way to learn and kids pick up on it in a hurry. We recommend different weight spinners depending on water conditions and species that you will be targeting. Salmon prefer an egg simulants such as the “Old Salts Silver Slayers” (available locally) or the vibrax spinners. Our most popular are #3’s and #4’s with silver blade and pink or orange bell. Steelhead prefer a jig & a bobber on a dead drift and trout will suck down anything that resembles eggs, flesh or salmon smolt. Remember everything we recommend is available in our tackle store.
Saltwater Fishing
Saltwater bottom fishing is usually done on a slow drift with a 5 to 6 foot rod, we use 16oz jigs with glow skirts. Many variations are available. For saltwater trolling you want to use a longer more limber rod with a small flasher, good swivels and a trolling or mooching rig with octopus hooks. Once again many variations are available.
What to Bring
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR FISHING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA
A cool, moist climate prevails in southeast Alaska. During the summers, average temperatures may vary from 46 to 70 degrees! Precipitation is always likely during your stay on the island regardless of the time of year. Rainfall averages nearly 160 inches per year. More detail about weather can be found here on our Weather.
The following list of recommended gear for fishing in Southeast Alaska was compiled for the purpose of allowing individuals not experienced in this area to be aware of the minimum equipment required to be safe and comfortable fishing in Southeast Alaska. This list has been compiled by fisherman experienced in this area and should not be considered as one hundred percent complete, but as a guideline for the equipment required. Individual requirements should be utilized to supplement this list.
There is a vast range of gear available for what is quite a simple task, that is, the delivery of your hook to a position where a fish might strike it~
FISHING LICENSES & SHRIMP PERMITS – If your planning on fishing or hunting while you stay with us you will need to secure your licenses and or tags from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website.
If you are planning on harvesting shrimp you will also need a free shellfish permit available on the same Alaska Department of Fish & Game website. (This will save you valuable fishing time once you arrive but it is difficult to locate on their website. Below are step by step directions for the free permit.)
From the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website:
Select “Licenses & Permit”
In the drop-down menu select “Buy a License Online”
Select “Southeast Shrimp Sport Permit”
RODS AND REELS – Fully Guided Trips – If you are going on a fully guided trip, we provide rods and reels (spin, deep water) as well as tackle and flies. If you have your own favorite freshwater rods, bring them. Fish filleting is provided with this package.
Self guided trips – Included with each fishing package we issue saltwater salmon trolling rods and bottom fishing rods. Stream fishing rods are also included for spin casting. (No fly fishing gear is provided) We recommend a 6/7 weight for Salmon or Steel-head and 4/5 weight for Trout. We also have an on-site tackle store with fresh and saltwater tackle and bait available. If you have your favorite rods, bring them.
FILLET KNIFE – Fillet knives are available at our fish packing station, however they are not to take in the field. A good fillet knife will help you with various fishing needs as well as filleting salmon on the bank so you only have to bring usable meat back to the cabins.
PACK – A pack that fits you well and can support any anticipated loads you need to carry. For most of our guests a lightweight day-pack is sufficient.
SALTWATER TACKLE – Flashers for down-riggers, herring aids, mooching rigs, salmon flies, cod jigs, twin tail worms, banana lead sinkers, swivel chain, hook file and good snap swivels. Remember, we do have an on-site tackle store and we carry everything we recommend!
FRESHWATER TACKLE – Blue Fox Vibrax spinners (size #3-#6) are a local favorite (silver spinner, pink, red or silver bell) as well as Old Salt Silver Slayer lures. Old Salt lures are hand crafted and can only be purchased locally. Bolos, and Krocodiles are also effective as well as a multitude of flies. We stock all of our recommended tackle in our on-site tackle store.
BOOTS – An absolute must for Prince of Wales Island!! A good pair of “broken-in” waterproof hiking boots are good for the days you might not want to wear waders or the days in the boat. You will encounter muddy trails and riverbanks while stream fishing. XtraTuff boots are the boot of choice for locals and can be purchased locally. Remember to bring rain pants for the times you won’t be wearing waders.
WADERS – Lightweight, breathable waders are recommended. With insulated layers underneath. No felt soles.
CLOTHES – All clothing should be synthetic, or wool-synthetic blends. Cotton is to be avoided, since it has little value when wet. Comfortable warm socks are a must. Three changes of clothing should be sufficient for anyone. (We have an on-site laundry) Bring what you need, but don’t over pack. Please see weight restrictions on float plane flights.
RAIN GEAR – Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rain forest and there is always a chance of rain. A Gore-Tex jacket over a pair of breathable waders is the combination that we recommend. Having good gear to keep you warm and dry can make all the difference in the comfort and enjoyment of your trip!
WATERPROOF DRYBAGS- These bags are lightweight and great for keeping your devices safe and dry while out in the boat or along the riverbank. A dry bag that fits into your pack works great to transport fillets out of the field. While some fishing holes are close to the truck others are farther away and you will want to fillet and pack your fish out. Any other items that you want to guarantee to stay dry should be in a dry bag as well. To see the drybags we recommend click this link. https://seatosummitusa.com/collections/waterproof-dry-bags
BUG SPRAY – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if the bugs are lousy.
RECOMMENDED EQUIPMENT FOR HUNTING IN SOUTHEAST ALASKA
The following list of recommended gear for hunting in Southeast Alaska was compiled for the purpose of allowing individuals who not experienced in this area to be aware of the minimum equipment required to be safe and comfortable on a hunt in Southeast Alaska. This list has been compiled by hunters experienced in this area and should not be considered as one hundred percent complete, but as a guideline for the equipment required. Individual requirements should be utilized to supplement this list. Remember, this trip is self-guided, use your good judgment.
OPTICS – A good pair of comfortable binoculars with good light-gathering capabilities are recommended. Good ranges are between 7×30 and 10×50. Your may want a spotting scope but it is not essential.
PACK – A pack that fits you well and can support any anticipated loads you need to carry. For most bear hunts, you only need a day-pack. For high country hunts such as alpine deer hunts, we suggest an internal frame pack with at least 4,500 cubic inches of storage.
BOOTS – A good pair of “broken-in” waterproof hiking boots are required for alpine deer hunts. We use the Danner Elk Hunters. Chest waders are great for hiking the streams on fall hunts. We recommend the breathable style not the neoprene.
CLOTHES – All clothing should be synthetic, or wool-synthetic blends. Cotton is to be avoided, since it has little value when wet. Comfortable, warm socks are a must. Three changes of clothing should be sufficient for anyone. (We have an onsite laundry) Bring what you need, but don’t over pack. Please see weight restrictions on float plane flights.
JACKETS – Jackets that shed the rain and are quiet in the woods are best. Pants should be quiet in the woods, warm and if not waterproof, dry out quickly when wet. Levi’s and other cotton fabrics are not recommended. Uninsulated saddlecloth, fleece, MT050, or wool – parkas, jacket and pants that have been laminated with a waterproof liner such as Dry-Plus or Gore-Tex can make hunting a lot more enjoyable in Alaska.
RAIN GEAR – Good rain gear is essential. Helly Hansen or equivalent is best. Remember that Southeast Alaska is a rain-forest!
KNIFE/COMPASS/LIGHT/SURVIVAL GEAR/FIRST AID KIT/HANDHELD GPS – Each hunter should carry these items on each day’s hunt. The Petzl Tikka Headlamp is an ideal light for most of our hunts. If you get an animal down in the evening a headlight will come in handy. It lasts a long time on 3 AAA batteries and can be purchased at Cabela’s. Common batteries can be purchased locally. Please remember this gear is for safety, if you have a GPS but don’t know how to use it it wont help. Don’t assume you will figure it out in the field.
RIFLE – .30 caliber or larger recommended, .338 cal. or larger magnum optimum. Due to some of the brushy terrain you will want to put your animal down in the shortest distance possible. The main requirement for a rifle is that you are comfortable with it and can hit where you aim at a reasonable distance (75-250 yards!) Due the the nature of our rough and brushy terrain it is not only necessary to make a clean and humane shot. It is also necessary to put the animal down immediately. A few yards could mean the difference of salvaging your game or loosing it.
MEAT & HIDE BAGS – If you bone your meat out on the mountain or a muskeg you will want some game bags to preserve and protect your meat and hide. A dry bag will also come in handy to pack out meat and keep your pack clean. To see the drybags we recommend click this link. https://seatosummitusa.com/collections/waterproof-dry-bags
BUG SPRAY – Mosquito nets are not necessary, however bug spray with Deet is handy if the bugs are lousy.