Kake Travel Guide

Kake is a small Tlingit community of roughly 570 people situated on the northwest coast of Kupreanof Island in Southeast Alaska's Alexander Archipelago. It sits within the Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States — and is surrounded by old-growth rainforest, island-dotted saltwater channels, and abundant wildlife.

The town is one of the oldest continuously inhabited Tlingit settlements in Southeast Alaska and maintains a strong connection to its Indigenous culture. Visitors who make the effort to reach Kake typically come for the fishing, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and the genuine off-the-beaten-path character of the place — not polished tourism infrastructure.

Kake is not a cruise-ship port and sees relatively few outside visitors, which is precisely its appeal. Expect a quiet, working fishing village where locals are generally welcoming but where travelers must be self-sufficient and prepared for the realities of remote Alaska.

Entry Requirements

Kake is within the United States. For visa and entry information, check TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official US Customs and Border Protection website.

What to Pack

• Waterproof rain gear is essential year-round; Southeast Alaska receives very high annual rainfall
• Layered clothing, as temperatures shift quickly
• Rubber boots or waterproof hiking footwear
• Insect repellent for summer months
• Any prescription medications and a small first-aid kit — medical facilities are very limited

Connectivity and Cash

Cell coverage in Kake is limited; verify your carrier's coverage before travel. The community has basic services but no ATM that travelers should rely on — carry sufficient cash from a larger city such as Juneau or Petersburg before arriving.

Health and Medical

Kake has a small health clinic. For any serious medical need, evacuation to Juneau or another larger center would be required. Verify clinic hours and capabilities locally before your trip.

By Air

Kake is served by a small state airport (KAE). Several small regional air carriers operating in Southeast Alaska offer scheduled or charter flights connecting Kake to Petersburg, Juneau, and other nearby communities. Schedules and availability change seasonally — verify current service with carriers and book well in advance.

By Ferry

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) serves Kake with ferry connections to Petersburg, Juneau, and other Southeast Alaska communities. The ferry is a practical and scenic option for those with time, but schedules are infrequent on this route and should be confirmed directly with AMHS well ahead of your trip. Visit the official Alaska Marine Highway System website for current schedules and fares.

Practical Note

There are no roads connecting Kake to the broader Alaska highway system. All access is by air or water. Plan for potential weather-related delays, which are common in this region.

Kake is a small community and the town itself is walkable. The road system on Kupreanof Island is limited and does not connect off-island.

For exploring the surrounding area — forest roads, trailheads, or the shoreline — a local vehicle or arranged transportation is helpful. Ask locally about road conditions and any available vehicle rental or guided services, as offerings can change and are best verified on arrival or through advance contact with the city or local businesses.

Watercraft — whether kayak, skiff, or charter boat — is the primary means of accessing the wider wilderness around Kake.

Accommodation options in Kake are very limited. There is no hotel in the conventional sense. Visitors have historically used a small number of local lodges or bed-and-breakfast style options, as well as hunting and fishing lodges that serve the area.

The US Forest Service maintains public-use cabins in the Tongass National Forest in this region, which can be reserved through Recreation.gov. These are a practical option for travelers comfortable with backcountry cabin stays.

Contact the Kake city office or check with the Forest Service well in advance of your trip to understand what accommodation is currently available, as offerings in small remote communities change frequently.

World's Tallest Totem Pole

Kake is home to a totem pole widely cited as the tallest in the world, carved for the 1967 Alaska centennial celebration. It stands near the waterfront and is a meaningful cultural landmark as well as a visual landmark. Approach it with respect for its cultural significance to the Tlingit people.

Fishing

Salmon, halibut, and Dungeness crab are among the species found in surrounding waters. Sportfishing is a primary draw for visitors; charter services may be available locally — verify current operators before travel.

Kayaking and Wildlife Viewing

The protected waters of Frederick Sound and Kake Inlet offer kayaking opportunities in a setting of forested islands and mountains. Humpback whales, orca, Steller sea lions, brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles are all present in the broader region.

Tongass National Forest Access

The forest surrounding Kake provides hiking and hunting opportunities. The US Forest Service manages this land; contact the local ranger district for current trail information, permits, and conditions before heading out.

Cultural Engagement

Kake is an active Tlingit community. Visitors interested in learning about the culture should do so respectfully — ask before photographing people or ceremonies, and follow any guidance from community members about appropriate access to cultural sites.

Dining options in Kake are very limited. There is no restaurant scene in the way larger Alaska cities have. A small number of local establishments — which can change from year to year — may serve food; verify what is currently operating before your trip.

Self-catering is the most reliable approach. A small grocery store serves the community, but stock can be limited and restocking depends on ferry and air deliveries. Bring supplemental food supplies, especially if you have dietary restrictions.

Alcohol regulations in rural Alaska communities vary. Kake's current local regulations should be checked before assuming alcohol is available for purchase.

Emergency Services

For any emergency in the United States, dial 911. Kake has a city police presence and a health clinic, but serious emergencies may require air evacuation. Confirm local emergency contacts with city offices on arrival.

Communications

Internet access in Kake is limited. Do not rely on consistent smartphone connectivity for navigation or real-time information. Download offline maps before arriving.

Respect and Community Norms

Kake is a small, close-knit Indigenous community. Treat residents and their spaces with respect. Ask permission before entering private or culturally significant areas, and follow any posted or communicated guidelines.

Weather Preparedness

Southeast Alaska weather can change rapidly. Rain, fog, and wind are common. This directly affects flight and ferry operations, so build flexibility into your travel schedule.

Kake is a quiet community and serious crime directed at visitors is not a notable concern. Standard common-sense precautions apply.

The primary safety considerations in this region are environmental. Wildlife encounters — particularly with bears — are a real possibility when hiking or moving through the forest. Carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and follow current Forest Service guidelines on food storage and wildlife interaction.

Ocean and waterway conditions can be hazardous. Cold water temperatures make falls overboard dangerous very quickly. Anyone using watercraft should wear appropriate life jackets and understand tidal and weather conditions before departing. Inform someone of your float plan.