Port Guide | United States | Worth a Wander

Klawock

August C. W. | Editor

Published on 2025-08-01

You've arrived in Klawock, Alaska-population just under a thousand souls and roughly five thousand bald eagles. Nestled on Prince of Wales Island, this humble fishing town is the sort of pleasantly offbeat, slightly rugged place that rewards travelers who dig deeper than the souvenir postcard rack. Sure, Klawock might not boast towering skyscrapers or Michelin-starred eateries (consider salmon grilled fresh on someone's back deck the real prize here), but it does proudly host Alaska's oldest cannery, dating back to 1878-because nothing says vacation like industrial salmon history. And speaking of history, don't miss the totem park, where magnificent poles tell stories richer than your last onboard lecture series. With two to five days in your pocket, trade your deck shoes for hiking boots and venture out for some bear spotting, eagle gawking, or fishing excursions that'll have you boasting at dinner tables for years. Welcome to Klawock: refreshingly authentic, delightfully wild, and almost blissfully unaware of Instagram.

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Notes from the Editor

Klawock is known for its rich Native Alaskan heritage and is a great spot for viewing local wildlife, including bears and eagles. Visitors may also enjoy outdoor activities like fishing and hiking.

Where do cruise ships dock in Klawock?

Port Name Klawock

Country United States

Region Alaska

Ship Terminal Klawock Dock

Port Type Tender port

Accessibility The dock is located approximately 1 mile from the city center, accessible via a short taxi ride or by foot. Limited walking paths may be available.

What's the weather like in Klawock?

Best Season to Visit Summer (May to September)

Climate Subarctic with cool summers and mild winters.

Weather Notes Summer can bring more maritime weather with occasional rain; dress in layers.

Temperature Range 50F - 70F (10C - 21C)

High Temp 75F

Low Temp 30F

Average Temp 50F

What do I need to know about Klawock?

Language English

Currency United States Dollar (USD)

Card Widely Accepted 1

Population 800

Timezone Alaska Time Zone (AKST)

How do I get around Klawock?

Taxi services are available, and some tour operators may provide shuttle services from the dock to key attractions.

What are The Best Things to do in Klawock?

Discover what you should do while you're in Klawock.

Historical and cultural landmarks

Klawock Totem Park

105 Bayview Blvd

Home to Alaska's largest collection of authentically carved Tlingit totem poles.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Nature Free Park Iconic Walking-Distance Photo Op

Klawock Cannery Historic Site

Cannary Rd

Explore historical salmon cannery history unique to Klawock's development.

Distance from Terminal: 0.7 miles

Self-Guided Tour Urban Walking-Distance Photo Op

Historic Guided Town Walk

105 Bayview Blvd

Explore Klawock with insights from long-term local residents.

Distance from Terminal: 0.2 miles

Performance Self-Guided Tour Urban Neighborhood Walking-Distance Photo Op

Adventure and Outdoor Activities

Salmon Fishing Adventure

N/A

Experience world-class salmon fishing specific to Southeast Alaska waters.

Distance from Terminal: 1.5 miles

Active Adrenaline Tour Outdoors Nature Water Remote Bucket-List Car Needed

Kayak Bald Eagle Observation

N/A

Paddle through pristine waters observing abundant bald eagle populations.

Distance from Terminal: 2.5 miles

Active Relaxing Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Water Wildlife Bucket-List

Alaskan Rainforest Nature Walk

N/A

Gentle guided hikes through lush Alaskan rainforest ecosystem.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Active Relaxing Workshop Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Bucket-List Walking-Distance Photo Op

Cave Exploring on Prince of Wales Island

N/A

Discover mysterious limestone caves unique to this region of Alaska.

Distance from Terminal: 40 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Remote Bucket-List Photo Op

Marine Mammal Spotting Boat Tour

N/A

Seek porpoises, whales, and seals on guided marine life tours.

Distance from Terminal: 4 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Water Reservations Needed Tickets Required Wildlife Bucket-List Photo Op

Experiences you can't replicate elsewhere

Local Native Art Workshop

Native Village Community Center

Participate in traditional Tlingit carving and weaving classes.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Workshop Self-Guided Indoors Art Walking-Distance

Traditional Fire Pit Salmon Bake

Community Cultural Pavilion

Enjoy traditional salmon cooking over an alder wood fire, accompanied by native stories.

Distance from Terminal: 0.3 miles

Accessible Relaxing Nature Walking-Distance Photo Op

Cedar Canoe Paddling Experience

N/A

Authentic experience paddling hand-carved Tlingit cedar dugout canoes.

Distance from Terminal: 0.5 miles

Active Tour Outdoors Nature Water Bucket-List Photo Op

Salmon Run Viewing at Klawock River

River Road

Witness thousands of salmon in the well-known Klawock salmon spawning streams.

Distance from Terminal: 1 miles

Accessible Relaxing Outdoors Nature Wildlife Walking-Distance Photo Op

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path

Foraging Wild Edibles Tour

N/A

Guided walking tours focused on identifying and harvesting local wild berries and plants.

Distance from Terminal: 2 miles

Active Workshop Tour Outdoors Nature Walking-Distance

Bear Viewing Excursion

N/A

Observe Alaskan bears in their natural habitat in secluded locales.

Distance from Terminal: 10 miles

Accessible Outdoors Nature Remote Wildlife Bucket-List Car Needed

Wildlife Photography Guided Tour

N/A

Capture photos of wildlife unique to Alaska on guided photography tours.

Distance from Terminal: 3 miles

Active Adrenaline Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Photo Op

Alaskan Beachcombing and Tide Pool Exploration

N/A

Explore coastal beaches discovering unique Alaskan marine life.

Distance from Terminal: 6 miles

Active Relaxing Outdoors Nature Water Rural Car Needed Photo Op

Overnight Trips

Prince of Wales Island Overnight Cabin Stay

N/A

Serene overnight rustic cabin accommodations deep within Tongass National Forest.

Distance from Terminal: 25 miles

Relaxing Outdoors Nature Rural Remote Bucket-List

Outer Coast Short-term Wilderness Camping

N/A

Experience untamed coastal wilderness camping unique to Alaskan shores.

Distance from Terminal: 30 miles

Active Relaxing Outdoors Nature Rural Remote Bucket-List Photo Op

Tongass National Forest Guided Trek

N/A

Immersive guided treks through America's largest national forest.

Distance from Terminal: 5 miles

Active Outdoors Nature Rural Wildlife Bucket-List Car Needed Photo Op

A Little Extra

Local Seafood Market Visit

Fishery Street

Purchase freshly caught local seafood direct from fishermen.

Distance from Terminal: 0.4 miles

Urban Budget Street Food Food Tour Market Walking-Distance

United States Regional Tip

Fresh agricultural products Importation of fruits, vegetables, or meats is strictly regulated, requiring declarations and inspections.