Southeast Alaska is home to so many world-renowned attractions. But it wasn’t so long ago that the area was home to a booming logging rush that churned out an easy 8.25 billion board-feet of timber like a fast flowing machine. Today there aren’t as many saw mills and pulp mills throughout the Tongass, but the industry is still alive.
Most recently, the growth on the island comes in the form of the state’s newest city, Whale Pass. It’s come a long way over the years and is stronger than ever.
Head to one of Southeast Alaska’s finest areas where you will find the renowned 7,683 square-mile Prince of Wales Island.
Courtney Stanley
Once you arrive, make your way through all the other scenic spots on the island and then head to Alaska’s newest second-class city, Whale Pass.
Alaska Department of Transportation
On Tuesday, January 31st, 2017 it was reported that Whale Pass became Alaska’s 116th second-class city. It is home to a year-round population of roughly 65.
Wikipedia The State of Alaska division of elections said that the majority of residents approved the action by roughly 75%.
When you see Whale Pass on a large scale map, one ironic thing that will stick out is that it’s actually closer to Seattle, WA than it is to Alaska’s largest city of Anchorage, AK.
Google Maps
With newly established city government in Whale Pass, it’s incredible to see that they have even already established a small city council with seven members.
Flickr - Brittany
No matter where you are on this peaceful island paradise, you’re guaranteed to be spoiled for life with the renowned artwork of Mother Nature.
Flickr - Roy Luck
The lush beauty of America’s largest temperate rainforest, the Tongass National Forest, is one of the area’s greatest attractions.
Flickr - Ian It completely covers the island’s mountainous widespread landscape.
Hiking, backpacking, camping, fishing and hunting are among the most popular activities in Whale Pass and throughout the entire Prince of Wales Island.
Flickr - Vadim Kurland However, you might not be surprised to learn that this recreation paradise was once nothing much more than a bustling logging camp.
Today the area is diversely attractive to outsiders as it offers a breathtakingly scenic environment while also being very family friendly. Quality of life is important here.
Flickr - Gary O. Grimm If you’re looking for an excellent work/life balance - seek out this hidden gem.
Prince of Wales is home to world-class creeks and rivers, making it the ultimate island destination for freshwater salmon and steel-head trout fishing.
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region What is really interesting too is that the Tongass actually produces an average of 48 million commercially harvested salmon each year, and they only expect that number to keep growing.
Locals and visitors alike also enjoy the incredible feeling of reeling in a massive King Salmon out on the saltwater.
Flickr - Delta Whiskey
The area is also home to a large amount of Sitka Black-Tailed Deer, which are beautiful to observe in their natural habitat and also very popular for hunters to chase.
Flickr - Gary O. Grimm
Wildlife viewing for eagles and black bears is an incredibly popular attraction here, but it is also just a part of everyday life for the island’s residents.
Flickr - Jim Howard Always be on the lookout; you never know when a soaring eagle might swoop down in on your fresh catch, or when a powerful black bear might sneak up behind you and scare you out of your waders.
While we’re on the topic of wildlife, check out this ‘too close for comfort’ YouTube video below of a lady fishing in Whale Pass when a bear walked into her spot. She did a great job staying calm while her husband filmed the whole thing.
Courtney Stanley
Alaska Department of Transportation
Wikipedia
The State of Alaska division of elections said that the majority of residents approved the action by roughly 75%.
Google Maps
Flickr - Brittany
Flickr - Roy Luck
Flickr - Ian
It completely covers the island’s mountainous widespread landscape.
Flickr - Vadim Kurland
However, you might not be surprised to learn that this recreation paradise was once nothing much more than a bustling logging camp.
Flickr - Gary O. Grimm
If you’re looking for an excellent work/life balance - seek out this hidden gem.
Flickr - USDA Forest Service Alaska Region
What is really interesting too is that the Tongass actually produces an average of 48 million commercially harvested salmon each year, and they only expect that number to keep growing.
Flickr - Delta Whiskey
Flickr - Jim Howard
Always be on the lookout; you never know when a soaring eagle might swoop down in on your fresh catch, or when a powerful black bear might sneak up behind you and scare you out of your waders.
This fun and action packed fishing footage below will have you itching to go to Whale Pass. Reeling in big, beautiful salmon while watching the black bears chase after your carcasses as you finish up… So cool and SO Alaskan!
While you’re on Prince of Wales island, hiking to this above-ground cave will give you a completely surreal experience.
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