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Tongass National Forest

 
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Tongass Home » Districts and Offices » Prince of Wales Island » Recreation

 

Boating

Kayaking/Canoeing

Prince of Wales Island is a sea-kayaker's dream! It is an excellent jump-off point for extended kayak trips Two kayakers paddle along the Prince of Wales Island shoreline.along the dynamic outer coast or the more sheltered "Inside Passage." Few people, however, have discovered the traveled road-accessible kayak day trip opportunities.

POW's extensive road system makes it possible to drive your boat to more than 30 points on the island where access to ocean or lake beaches is ideal for short paddles by kayak or canoe. These opportunities extend from Canoers float down the Thorne RiverHydaburg in the south, to Whale Pass and Port Protection in the north. The paddler can find quiet lakes and surging seas within relatively short paddles from the road system.

Two developed water trails can be accessed by the road system:

Honker Divide Canoe Route (33 miles, 2-4 days, 3.5 miles of portages)

Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route (16 miles, 8-16 hours, 3 miles of portages)

Motorized Boating

Motorized boating is a great way to fish, view marine wildlife, or explore the numerous inlets, coves and islands of Prince of Wales. There are also several lakes that can be accessed for motorized use for fishing, relaxing, or even water skiiing! The table below lists the numerous water access points available on National Forest land. Also, be sure to check with island communities for information on launch and docking facilities.

Launching/Docking Facilities

There are several Forest Service boat launches and docks located throughout the island. Most launches are primitive, native surface providing access for small boats or non-motorized craft.

Site
Facility
Ramp Surface
Boat Type or Size
Waterbody Accessed

Eagle's Nest

(442kb)

Canoe Launch
Gravel
Canoe, Kayak
Balls Lake

El Capitan

(403kb)

Launch, Dock
Gravel
Moderate
El Capitan Passage

Honker Divide

(1.1mb)

Canoe Launch
Gravel Path
Canoe, Kayak
Hatchery Creek

Luck Lake

(244kb)

Launch
Native
Small (skiff)
Luck Lake

Neck Lake

(286kb)

Launch
Native
Small (skiff)
Neck Lake

Polk Inlet

Launch, Dock
Gravel
Moderate
Polk Inlet

Sarkar Lake

(908kb)

Dock
n/a
Canoe, Kayak
Sarkar Lake

Winter Harbor

(388kb)

Launch
Gravel
Moderate
Tuxecan Passage

 

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: August 07, 2007