Revised 2/26/12

Prince of Wales Island

 

 

Description

Exploratory Kayak Tour
Skill Level: Minimum BCU 3 star or ACA level 3.  (We can bring you up to speed it you plan ahead.)

Tongass National Forest stretches for 500 miles along the coast, encompassing the beguiling karst region of Prince Wales Island, 700 square miles of limestone and marble caverns created by subterranean streams. POW, as its known to its 3000 inhabitants is home to Haida and Tlinket native groups as well as a few hardy souls that make there living in forestry and sport fishing. They share the island with numerous streams, dense rainforest, black bear and black tailed deer. The nearby waters are home to numerous whales, sea otters, crabs, 4 species of salmon, Cutthroat and Rainbow Trout and char species. Tidal currents around the numerous islands can be quick, with many sheltered passes, areas of high relief and hundreds of miles of coastline. Its shares a lot of the cultural and natural features of a trip to the Queen Charlottes, but is considerably easier to get to and much less costly. Its starting to sound like Kayak Nirvana, isn't it? Wait, it gets better...

We'll be paddling a loop out of a small native village of Naukati on the West coast that offers a remote feel, yet the convenience of utilizing a forest service cabin along the route for a couple of nights. We'll be there in time for some interesting wild foods as well as King Salmon season, so along with playful tidal features, we get to enjoy great seafood, beach asparagus and some good side hikes up rivers. My co-leader for the trip is Patty, who in addition to being a fine banjo player, has been kayaking and guiding on POW for over 15 years. Having two guides means there may be times in camp when fast tidal features may lure a few out to play in waves while others venture forth to collect spruce tips for tea or simply wander up on crests for some good views. We plan a fairly leisurely pace for this trip (there may be some 15 mile+ days, but not the rule), so that we can spend a bit more time playing with waves, fishing, hiking or crabbing. Sound good to you? It sure does to me, so let's do it!

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Sat; Arrival in Ketchikan, AK...(a one hour flight from Seattle) in time for a late afternoon seaplane flight into Craig on Prince of Wales Island. Transfer to B&B for the night. 
  • Day 2-3: Haul ourselves and our gear overland across the road system to our put-in at Naukati and paddle to Staney Creek area for a couple of days of exploring from there.
  • Day 4 to Day 7: Explore outer islands, inside passes, tidal creeks, tidal features....whatever weather and desire dictates...all from a few camps along the coastline North of Naukati.  
  • Day 8: Paddle back to take out for overland shuttle back to Craig. Overngnight at B&B, group dinner out (budget around $35 oyo). 
  • Day 9: Transfer back to Ketchikan via ferry for flights back home.

Dates & Costs

  • August 4- 12, 2012
  • $2800/person
    Price Includes ocal seaplane flight, naturalist guides, permits, boat shuttles, lodging-dbl**- prior and after backcountry trip (on schedule), all meals during itinerary, local land transport, high quality kayaks, professional instruction, group gear (tents, kitchen gear, safety equipment) and the best backcountry food in the land.

Other Money Matters

**Price is based on Double Occ room at B&B...single tents may be available. 

Dry Suit Rental is recommended and is available for $180 from Uncommon Adventures for the week with prior notice.

*Reservations are held with a deposit of $500 and a completed registration form available below; Remaining balance is due 60 days before departure.  Deposit fully refundable up to that 60 day departure date. 

Uncommon Adventures,
PO Box 254, Beulah, MI 49617.

Phone us toll-free 1-866-882-5525 for Credit Card payments for deposit..