Primary access to the island is by plane or ferry. The ferry allows cars and more roads crisscross the Prince of Wales island than the entire coast of the Gulf of Alaska. The ferry system does not stop in Coffman Cove. Once on the island, visitors must travel by car for seventy miles from Hollis, the nearest ferry stop. Alternatively, travelers can fly from Seattle to Ketchikan on Alaska Airlines before hopping on a float plane for the final 60 miles to the remote town. (See Reference 2)
Winter and summer weather effects access to the island and the activities for visitors. It snows an average of 40 inches a year. Total precipitation ranges between 60 to 200 inches a year. The coldest weather occurs in January while July temperatures reach about 58 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Fall brings strong winds. (See Reference 3)
The islands and the surrounding seas contain an abundance of black bears, herons, sea lions, killer whales, moose, humpback whales, brown bear, sitka deer, and eagles. Activities like beach combing, whale watching tours, fishing, bird and wildlife watching can ease you into the relaxed atmosphere of the island. For those of a more active persuasion, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, swimming and camping offer views of wildlife endangered in other regions of the United States. Fisherman can fish in the ocean for halibut, red snapper, and five species of salmon. (See Reference 2) The best time to fish in the ocean is from May through September. Freshwater fisherman can cast their lines to catch two species of trout, four species of salmon, steelhead, and char. The freshwater season starts in March and runs to October. (See Reference 1)
Located about an hour inland from Coffman Cove, Tongrass National Forest contains, glaciers, caves, and other elements of karst geomorphology. Karst geomorphology includes limestone rock, sinkholes, pits, and caves. These elements are present on most of the island. Caves include the El Capitan Cave, the longest mapped cave in the state. (See Reference 1)
Coffman Cove exists on an island not fully impacted by humans. This means that you should follow safety procedures like watching your surroundings for threats, exploring only documented areas, preparing for the weather, treating any water you drink, carrying a radio and advising an alternate party of your destination. Some visitors prefer to carry firearms or bear repellent. These tips are particularly valid for participating in activities without a guide or in the Tongass National Forest.
