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Roads

Prince of Wales Island (POW) has more roads than any other area in southeast Alaska. Many of these roads are the legacy of the island's timber industry. POW boasts about 105 miles of paved road, nearly 155 miles of improved gravel roads, and over 2,000 miles of shot-rock logging roads. You can drive your standard passenger car from Hydaburg, in the south, to Labouchere Bay and Port Protection at the northwest tip of Prince of Wales Island.

The roads connect many island communities, making it possible to explore the interior of Prince of Wales Island, and to reach many points along the coast. The Forest Service has built several picnic/day use areas that complement the road system. These facilities include covered shelters, picnic tables, and rest rooms. Viewing wildlife, sightseeing, fishing, and family picnics are popular activities along the road system.

The island's extensive road system provides ample biking opportunities to explore the island at a slower pace. While there are miles and miles of roads to ride on, there are no designated bike trails on the island. Remember to use extreme caution when biking on roads--the paved roads are two lane routes, with gravel shoulders. The annual Prince of Wales International Marathon uses the paved road from Hollis to Craig.  

Trip Planning

Driving on Prince of Wales Island is still an adventure! Thorough trip planning will help you have a good experience on POW roads. Most island roads are gravel. Only the main roads that connect the island's communities are paved (roughly 100 miles). The secondary roads are built of rock developed from local quarries. Make sure you travel with a spare tire in good condition. Emergency services are not readily available. Fuel is available only in Craig, Klawock, Naukati, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, Hydaburg and Whale Pass.

Plan your trip and be prepared for emergencies. Drivers need to adjust their speed to road surfaces and weather. Roads north of Naukati narrow to 1 ½ lanes with turnouts. RV's are advised to use extreme caution as they travel north. Road improvements are underway to straighten and pave the road to Coffman Cove. Watch for log trucks and road maintenance throughout the island. Please drive carefully and enjoy our island.

Currently asphalt roads are limited to:

• The area near Craig and Klawock
• The main road from the ferry terminal in Hollis to Klawock
• The main road from Klawock to Control Lake Junction
• The main road from Control Lake Junction to Thorne Bay
• The main road from Control Lake Junction to 1 mile before the Coffman Cove Junction

The road to Hydaburg is currently chip seal (gravel & tar), with plans by the state to upgrade to asphalt in the future.

Transportation to and from the island is generally by floatplane, boats or by the Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) ferry at Hollis or Coffman Cove.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Last Modified: July 11, 2007