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Craig is a small city on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, part of the Alexander Archipelago. With a population of roughly 1,000–1,200 people, it functions as one of the main commercial and service hubs for the island, which is the third-largest island in the United States. The surrounding landscape is defined by old-growth temperate rainforest, deeply carved inlets, and the open waters of Clarence Strait.
The area has a long history of Tlingit and Haida habitation, and Craig itself grew around the fishing and cannery industry in the early 20th century. Fishing — commercial and sport — remains central to the local economy and culture. Visitors today are drawn by world-class salmon and halibut fishing, wildlife watching, and access to extensive logging roads that double as routes for exploring the island's remote interior.
Craig is not a mainstream tourist destination. Infrastructure is modest, services are limited by Southeast Alaska standards, and planning ahead is essential. Travelers who come prepared, however, find a genuinely wild corner of the Pacific Northwest that sees a fraction of the crowds of better-known Alaskan destinations.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Craig is in the United States. For visa and entry requirements, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and consult the official U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for the most current information.
What to Pack
- Waterproof rain gear and layered clothing are essential year-round; Southeast Alaska is one of the wettest regions in the country
- Rubber boots or waterproof hiking footwear
- Insect repellent for summer months
- Any prescription medications and personal care items you rely on — selection at local stores is limited
- Fishing licenses if you plan to fish (available locally and online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game)
Connectivity and Cash
Cell coverage on Prince of Wales Island can be spotty outside of town. Download offline maps before arrival. Carry some cash; not all smaller establishments accept cards reliably. Verify ATM availability locally before relying on it.
Getting There
By Air
The most practical route for most travelers is to fly into Ketchikan International Airport on Gravina Island, which has scheduled jet service from Seattle and other Alaska hubs. From Ketchikan, you can reach Prince of Wales Island by floatplane via operators that run scheduled and charter service to Craig and Klawock (verify current carriers and schedules locally or via the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau). Flight time is roughly 20–30 minutes.
By Ferry
The Alaska Marine Highway System operates ferry service connecting Hollis, on the eastern side of Prince of Wales Island, to Ketchikan. The ferry crossing takes several hours. From Hollis, Craig is approximately 30–35 miles by paved road through Klawock. Check the Alaska Marine Highway System website directly for current schedules, fares, and reservation requirements, as service frequency varies significantly by season.
Getting to Craig from the Ferry Terminal
There is no public transit between Hollis and Craig. Renting a vehicle in Ketchikan before boarding the ferry, or arranging a local vehicle rental on the island in advance, is the most reliable option. Verify rental availability well ahead of your trip, as options are limited.
Getting Around
A personal vehicle is essentially required for exploring Prince of Wales Island beyond Craig's small downtown area. The island has an extensive network of paved and unpaved roads — many built originally for logging — that provide access to remote lakes, trailheads, and coastal areas. Road conditions on unpaved sections vary; a higher-clearance vehicle is useful.
Within Craig itself, most services are walkable or a short drive from one another. There is no local public bus system. Taxis or rideshares are not reliably available — verify any local transportation options before you arrive. Fuel is available in Craig but prices are typically higher than mainland Alaska; fill up when you can.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Craig is limited and reflects the town's small scale. Options have historically included small hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals. Several fishing lodges operate on and around Prince of Wales Island offering packages that bundle accommodation, guiding, and meals — these tend to book out well in advance for peak summer season.
Book as early as possible if visiting between late May and August. Check current listings on major vacation rental platforms and contact the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau or the Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce for up-to-date lodging options, as businesses in small communities open and close more frequently than in larger cities. Camping is possible within the Tongass National Forest; contact the USFS Craig Ranger District for designated sites and permit requirements.
Things to See & Do
Fishing
Sport fishing is the primary draw for most visitors. Chinook, coho, pink, and sockeye salmon, along with halibut and rockfish, are pursued in the surrounding waters. Numerous charter operators work out of Craig and the broader Prince of Wales Island area. A valid Alaska sport fishing license is required; check the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website for current regulations and licensing.
Wildlife Watching
Prince of Wales Island supports healthy populations of black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and a wide variety of seabirds. River and estuary edges at dawn and dusk offer good opportunities. Sea kayaking the coastline may yield sightings of harbor seals, sea otters, and humpback whales in the surrounding straits.
El Capitan Cave
One of the largest known caves in the United States is located on the northern part of Prince of Wales Island. El Capitan Cave is managed by the U.S. Forest Service's Tongass National Forest. Guided tours have historically been offered seasonally — contact the USFS Craig Ranger District to verify current tour availability, schedules, and reservation requirements before visiting.
Hiking and Forest Exploration
The Tongass National Forest surrounds the island and contains many trails at varying levels of difficulty. The USFS Craig Ranger District office is a reliable source for current trail conditions and maps. The forest is true old-growth temperate rainforest — mossy, dramatic, and often very wet.
Thorne Bay and Beyond
The island's road network makes it possible to reach other communities including Thorne Bay and Coffman Cove, each with their own character and access to remote shoreline. Allow full days for these explorations.
Food & Drink
Craig has a small but functional selection of dining options, concentrated primarily along its waterfront and main commercial area. Expect casual, unpretentious spots serving seafood, burgers, and everyday American fare. Availability and hours can change seasonally and without much notice — verify locally.
Grocery options are limited. There is at least one grocery/general store in Craig, with additional options in Klawock a short drive away. If you are self-catering or planning extended backcountry time, consider bringing specialty or dietary items from Ketchikan or your point of origin. Alcohol is available; Prince of Wales Island communities are not in a local option (dry) jurisdiction, but always verify current local regulations.
If you fish successfully, some local facilities may allow you to process or freeze your catch — ask locally or confirm with your charter operator in advance.
Practical Information
Medical Services
Craig has basic medical services through a local clinic. For serious medical emergencies, evacuation to Ketchikan or Juneau may be necessary. Travel health insurance with emergency evacuation coverage is strongly recommended for any trip to remote Southeast Alaska.
Emergency Services
Dial 911 for emergencies. The Craig Police Department serves the city. The Alaska State Troopers cover broader Prince of Wales Island areas.
Weather
Expect rain at any time of year. Annual precipitation is very high. Summer highs are typically in the mid-50s to low 60s°F (roughly 12–17°C). Winter temperatures are mild by Alaska standards but wet and grey. Always check forecasts before venturing into remote areas.
Tides and Marine Safety
If boating, kayaking, or accessing coastal areas, consult current tide tables. Tidal ranges in Southeast Alaska are significant. NOAA publishes tide predictions online.
Waste and Leave No Trace
The Tongass National Forest and surrounding ecosystems are ecologically sensitive. Pack out all waste in backcountry areas, store food properly in bear country, and follow all posted regulations.
Safety
Craig is a small, relatively low-crime community. Standard common-sense precautions apply. The more significant safety considerations are wilderness-related: bears are present across Prince of Wales Island, and visitors exploring forest or river areas should carry bear spray, know how to use it, and understand basic bear awareness practices.
Marine conditions in Clarence Strait and surrounding waters can change rapidly. Anyone operating a vessel or kayak should have appropriate experience, safety equipment, and a float plan filed with someone onshore. Water temperatures are cold year-round; immersion without proper gear is quickly life-threatening.
Cell coverage is unreliable across much of the island. A satellite communicator or personal locator beacon (PLB) is a prudent addition to any backcountry kit.
