Things to do nearWard Cove

Ward Cove sits on the northwestern shore of Revillagigedo Island in Southeast Alaska, sheltered from the open waters of Tongass Narrows by a gentle curve of forested land. The inlet was historically used by Tlingit peoples who relied on its productive waters for food and trade, and later became the site of a major pulp mill operation that ran for decades before closing in the 1990s.

Today the cove is valued for its fishing and wildlife. Salmon return in reliable numbers through summer and into fall, drawing both recreational anglers and the bears, eagles, and seals that follow the runs. Kayaking along the calm inner cove gives paddlers a close view of the intertidal zone, where sea stars, anemones, and small crabs cling to exposed rocks at low tide.

The surrounding landscape connects Ward Cove to some of the region's finest natural and cultural sites. Just down the road, Totem Bight State Historical Park preserves a striking collection of restored poles and a clan house set among old-growth trees. Visitors who want more time on the water can arrange fishing charters operating out of Ketchikan to explore the broader area.

Ward Cove rewards those who slow down long enough to watch the tides shift and the wildlife move through its rhythm, offering a quietly memorable corner of coastal Alaska.