Klawock, AK

The Klawock Totem Park is a primary attraction and is easily accessible from the cruise dock. The park contains a remarkable collection of 21 totem poles, which are a mix of restored originals and replicas from the old village of Tuxekan, offering a powerful connection to the Tlingit heritage of the area.

Visitors can gain insight into a living cultural tradition at the Klawock Carving Shed. Here, you can often see master carvers and their apprentices at work, meticulously crafting new totem poles and other traditional artworks.

The natural beauty of the surrounding Tongass National Forest is a major draw. Popular excursions include wildlife viewing tours to spot black bears and bald eagles, guided kayaking in the calm inlets, and fishing trips on the renowned Klawock River, famous for its abundant salmon runs.

The largest community on Prince of Wales Island, Craig, is located just 7 miles south of Klawock, a short 10-15 minute drive away. Visitors can explore its harbor, which is one of the largest in the region, and find additional shops and dining options.

The town of Hollis is about 25 miles east of Klawock, approximately a 40-minute drive. It is the arrival point for the Inter-Island Ferry from Ketchikan and offers a glimpse into another of the island's small communities.

For a look into the island's logging history, visitors can take an excursion to Thorne Bay, once the largest logging camp in North America. It is located about 35 miles from Klawock, with a travel time of about one hour each way through the scenic forest.

The cruise ship pier in Klawock is a modern, purpose-built facility located at the edge of the town. Ships dock directly at the pier, so no tendering is required.

The main area of Klawock, including the totem park and local shops, is approximately 0.5 to 1 mile from the dock and can be reached via a pleasant walk. Shuttle services are usually provided by the cruise line to transport passengers between the ship and the town center.

The immediate port area itself is primarily for docking operations and has limited amenities, though tour operators and welcome staff are present. The majority of services, shops, and attractions are located within the small town.

The local currency is the United States Dollar (USD). Foreign currencies, including Euros, are not accepted.

Cruise passengers will find that major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in most shops, restaurants, and by tour operators.

ATMs are available in town for cash withdrawals, but it is always a good idea to carry some small bills for minor purchases. There are no currency exchange bureaus in Klawock, so any necessary currency conversions should be done before arriving.

Klawock is a small, welcoming community with a very low crime rate, making it generally safe for visitors to explore independently. Standard precautions for personal belongings are always wise, but the primary safety concerns are related to the natural environment.

Wildlife, particularly black bears, is common in the area. When walking on trails, it's important to make noise, stay aware of your surroundings, and never approach or feed animals. For extensive hiking or backcountry exploration, guided tours are strongly recommended.

The weather can change rapidly. Always be prepared for rain and cool conditions, even if the day starts sunny, to avoid exposure-related issues. Sturdy, waterproof footwear is essential for navigating potentially slippery trails and boardwalks.

Klawock's weather during the cruise season from May to September is characteristic of the Southeast Alaskan temperate rainforest: cool and frequently wet. Rain can occur at any time, often as a persistent drizzle, so waterproof gear is essential.

Average daytime temperatures typically range from the low 50s to the mid-60s Fahrenheit (10-18°C). Mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, especially on the water.

The best way to prepare is by dressing in layers. A waterproof outer jacket, a warm fleece or sweater, long pants, and waterproof footwear are highly recommended. A warm hat and gloves are also useful items to have packed.

Transportation options in Klawock are limited, reflecting its small size and remote location on Prince of Wales Island. There are no public bus systems, trains, or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft available.

Cruise lines typically offer shuttle buses to key points of interest within the town, such as the totem park. Most attractions within the immediate town are accessible on foot.

For exploring further afield, pre-booked shore excursions are the most common and reliable method of transport. The Inter-Island Ferry Authority serves the island, but its terminal is in Hollis, a significant distance from Klawock, and is not used for local sightseeing.

Shopping in Klawock provides a unique opportunity to purchase authentic, locally made goods directly from the community. There are no large chain stores; instead, you will find small, family-owned shops and galleries.

The main items to look for are genuine Tlingit arts and crafts. This includes hand-carved totem pole miniatures, masks, silver jewelry, and art prints. The Klawock Carving Shed sometimes offers pieces for sale directly from the artists.

Locally caught and smoked salmon is another popular souvenir that captures the flavor of Alaska. Prices in shops are fixed, and bargaining is not part of the local culture. There are no duty-free shopping facilities in Klawock.