The Historic Logging Camp That Just Became Alaska's Newest City
By Courtney|Published February 07, 2017
×
Courtney
Author
Living and loving life in Alaska, Courtney enjoys living a happy life based on simple principles; work hard, be kind, stay humble. She is an avid dog lover with hobbies that include running, fly fishing, hiking & snowboarding.
As local travel experts, we know what travelers are looking for when it comes to finding the perfect accommodations for their next trip. To compile our lists, we scour the internet to find properties with excellent ratings and reviews, desirable amenities, nearby attractions, and that something special that makes a destination worthy of traveling for.
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.
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.
The State of Alaska division of elections said that the majority of residents approved the action by roughly 75%.
Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
However, you might not be surprised to learn that this recreation paradise was once nothing much more than a bustling logging camp.
Advertisement
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
