Coffman Cove

09/02/08

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Welcome to Coffman Cove!

Coffman Cove is a small town on the northeast side of Prince of Wales Island. It is located on the world-famous Alaskan Inside Passage between Ketchikan and Sitka. World Atlas provides a nice map of Alaska and its place in the world. Of course, you won't see Coffman Cove on the maps there, but it is northwest of and very close to Ketchikan.

 

For more information about Prince of Wales Island, you can visit one or more of the following websites:

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Prince of Wales Island Travel Planner

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Map of Prince of Wales Island

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Alaska Department of Fish and Game

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Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia with an article about POW.

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Tongass National Forest

"Just one more cast!"

Getting to Coffman Cove 

There’s more than one way to reach Coffman Cove, Alaska on Prince of Wales (POW) Island. I will outline some of them here and include some phone numbers and websites that might be useful to you. You are encouraged to check out the Coffman Cove website for complete up-to-date information. If you have any further questions, email me with your inquiry and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Ketchikan is the largest city in the vicinity. Many people fly into and out of Ketchikan from airports near their homes. It is also possible to fly into Wrangell on Alaska Airlines and then reach Coffman Cove by ferry. But be sure to check the Inter-Island Ferry Service schedule for service from Ketchikan to Hollis or from Wrangell to Coffman Cove. You can book your flight through Alaska Airlines. The website address is http://www.alaskaair.com/ or you can reach them by phone at 1-800-ALASKAAIR / 1-800-252-7522.

If you prefer a more leisurely mode of travel or you want to bring your own car, truck, camper, and/or boat***, try the Alaska Marine Highway System ferry from Bellingham, Washington or Prince Rupert, BC in the south or from points north to Wrangell or Ketchikan. Call 1-800-642-0066 or visit the AMHS website for schedules, information, or reservations. You may bring your car or truck on the ferry, but you need to make reservations in advance. From Ketchikan, you'll have to take the Inter-Island Ferry to Hollis on Prince of Wales Island. You may also come directly into Coffman Cove by way of Wrangell (or from Petersburg via Wrangell). The Inter-Island Ferry Authority can be reached by phone at 1-866-308-4848. Traveling through Canada by car or water requires a stop at the border and will necessitate a passport in 2009 (in 2008, you will need a piece of photo ID and a birth certificate). The Canada Border Services Agency website offers useful information for visitors to or through Canada.

*** Be aware that there is major construction taking place on the gravel road into Coffman Cove, so check out the USDA Forest Service website for times you may pass through and know that you may be going over some rough patches of large rocks as they lay the base for the new paved road. Be prepared for delays and limited access every day but Sunday. It's also a good idea to have quality tires and a full spare or two for your trip.

Special note: The Inter-Island Ferry Authority began service between Coffman Cove, Wrangell, and Petersburg in 2007! The M/V Prince of Wales was in service during the 2008 summer months on Friday, Saturday, and Monday. Check the "northern schedule" on their website for more detailed information about 2009 schedules. The schedule between Hollis and Ketchikan was changed for summer 2008 and ran once daily. Be sure to check with the Inter-Island Ferry Authority for any changes in the 2009 ferry schedule before you book your flights, lodging, and fishing reservations.

To reach Prince of Wales Island from Ketchikan, there are several options.

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Take the 3 hour Inter-Island Ferry ride from Ketchikan to Hollis. Hollis is about a 2 hour car ride from Coffman Cove, so be sure to make some arrangements if you plan to ride the ferry from Ketchikan. For schedule information and reservations visit their website or phone toll-free at 1-866-308-4848.

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Take a float plane to Coffman Cove (if available), Thorne Bay, or Craig. Wheeled flights go to Klawock. We can help you make arrangements to get from your flight destination to Coffman Cove and back. Airline names and numbers are listed below. Be sure to ask about the cost of returning with fish boxes and restrictions on overall luggage weight.

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Flying or ferrying, you can rent a car in Ketchikan (for information on services available in Ketchikan, contact the Ketchikan Chamber of Commerce 907-225-3184) or on Prince of Wales Island contact Wilderness Car Rental in Craig at 1-800-949-2205 or online. Be aware that there is major construction taking place on the road into Coffman Cove, so check with your rental office for times you may pass through and know that you may be going over some rough patches. Be prepared for delays and limited access or detours.

  
 

Ed and Judy Adamson of Coffman Cove provide transportation to and from Hollis for visitors to Coffman Cove. You can contact them by phone 907-329-2208 to check for their availability and price. They also have rental vehicles.

Airlines I’m aware of that fly between Ketchikan and Prince of Wales Island are:

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Taquan Air  1-800-770-8800

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LAB Flying Service  1-907-766-2222

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Promech Air   1-800-860-3845

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Pacific Airways   Toll-free  1-877-360-3500 or Alaska local 907-225-3500

To reach Coffman Cove from Wrangell:

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The Inter-Island Ferry Authority is making trips on the M/V Prince of Wales to and from these ports on Friday, Saturday, and Monday in 2008 through the summer months.

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Visit the Wrangell Chamber of Commerce website for current services.

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Breakaway Adventures offers a Water Taxi service. Call or visit their website for more information. 1-888-385-2488 or 907-874-2488.

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At this time, I don't know of anyone who provides flight service between Wrangell and Coffman Cove. New information will be added as it becomes available.

This is the Harpers' house in Coffman Cove.

Come here if you'd like to make walk-on reservations and you aren't able to catch Captain Lee at the dock.

 

Lodging in Coffman Cove

It's a good idea to plan ahead for a vacation in Coffman Cove. There is no motel in town that you can walk into and rent a room, but there are several excellent choices for lodging. Some offer prepared food, many do not. You can see what’s currently available on the Coffman Cove website, but here are the ones I’m familiar with as of this writing. You will need to contact them directly for prices and availability. Once you've made your arrangements to stay, contact Capt. Lee to reserve your spot on the boat.

Lodging with food included:

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Coffman Cove Bunkhouse: Call Jerry Hedges at 907-329-2219.

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Whale Watchers Bed & Breakfast: Phone 907-329-2272.

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Wetherbee’s Lodge: Call Frank Wetherbee at 907-329-2266. Frank is also a guide, but said he would house people who are fishing with Lee if he has room available.

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The Fishing Bear Bed & Breakfast/Lodge: Offers a choice of kitchen facilities or meals provided. Phone 907-329-2924 for more information.
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Rock Haven: Dan & Ellen 907-329-2003

Cabins only:

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Coffman Cove Cabins: Call Gary Wilburn at 907-329-2251

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Cove Connect Cottage: Call Julie Hull at 907-329-2295

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Andersonville: Dale and Genny Sue at 907-329-2267

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King Fisher Rentals: Ken and Michelle Page at 907-329-2235

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J&J Lodging: John Rodriguez at 907-329-2009. John is also a fishing guide.

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Salmon Shores Cabin & Guest House: Meredith at 503-788-3762

Campgrounds:

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Oceanview RV, Campgrounds & Lodging: Phone 907-329-2226 and speak to Chuck or Deedee. The campground also provides the only public laundromat in town.

Other Amenities in Coffman Cove

                   Gas Station                                            Post Office

                   Cyber Cafe                                  Library with Internet access

 

There is a liquor store in town, a library with Internet access (hours vary),  Internet service, a gas station, a laundromat at the Oceanview Campground, and The Riggin' Shack; a small convenience store that rents movies along with selling wonderful gifts, fish boxes, fishing gear, limited food items, and health care products. The coffee is always on and the conversation lively. It would be wise to bring your basic groceries with you if you plan to camp or stay in a cabin.

At this time, there is no cell phone service in Coffman Cove, so leave your phone behind (or simply turn it off) and enjoy the peace and quiet you so rarely encounter in the world today. There is a public telephone available near the dock, so be sure to bring a phone card with you for any long distance calls you'd like to make.

Also, you won't find an ATM in Coffman Cove, so come prepared with Travelers' Checks, your checkbook, and/or cash.

Friendly garbage service!

 

     

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For information on charters or to make reservations, email lee@coffmancovecharters.com

Contact the webmaster if you have problems, suggestions, or praise about the website.

Coffman Cove Charters LLC members are Lee, Frank, and Ann Harper.

All photographs on this page are the property of Ann Harper.

Copyright 2008.

This site was last updated 09/02/08