Welcome to Hollis, where your Prince of Wales Island journey begins and everybody waves. Hollis is on the east side of Prince of Wales Island, 22 miles east of Craig and 35 miles west of Ketchikan by water. Inter-Island Ferry Authority (IFA) brings island residents and visitors to Hollis from Ketchikan every day. IFA’s homeport and our floatplane dock are in Clark Bay on Twelve Mile Arm.
Originally a bustling mining town and later a logging camp, Hollis was settled after 1980 through state land sales. Hollis is now a nonprofit community with an elected community council. Hollis Public Library has internet service and books and movies for visitors to enjoy. The library hosts a summer reading program for all kids. Hollis’ small public dock is just down the road from the library.
Hollis Volunteer Fire Department (HVFD) and Emergency Medical Services are equipped with a modern building, a pumper truck and ambulance. Members collaborate with the school for EMT training and conduct a Junior Fire Department program. Every August, HVFD hosts the Chili & Cornbread Feed, Art & Farmers’ Market and Fundraiser—a chance to vie for the Golden Ladle honoring the best chili on the island.
Hollis School’s 25 pre-K through 12th-grade students participate in mastery learning. Two teachers support multi-age groups’ academic skill development and exploration through rich reading and writing, projects, art and fieldwork. The school’s chickens, geese and ducks, outdoor art and large garden reflect students' learning.
The best place to watch the stars in Hollis is at the overlook and welcome sign. It has a bulletin board that gives important information about what is going on in Hollis. The Harris River picnic area, with a covered shelter, tables and a fireplace, allows you to relax after a walk on the foot trail, a game of horseshoes and fishing in the adjacent river.
You can feel the charming history in the beautiful town of Craig, Alaska. They have excellent walking trails. The old cannery is an "out and back" type walk that showcases historical artifacts from the Japan Tsunami and at the end is a beautiful hand carved memorial to those lost at sea. The ballpark/graveyard trail is also an "out and back" type that highlights a veterans memorial with a fascinating canopy of trees and many picture friendly sites. The enjoyable 1-mile is low impact, yet slightly challenging is pet-friendly and one you will remember. You can walk "the loop" around Hamilton for a perfect 3 mile walk about. Our Healing Heart Totem Pole is a sacred spot which thousands have visited to share its meaning. We have local artist shops and stores that will ensure you leave with a memorable gift from your trip. Many local restaurants and taverns and over 25 local B&B's and hotels to choose from, they know you will find a place that makes you feel at home.
Craig also hosts The Island Grind monthly which provides music and entertainment to all followed by a light dessert. Monthly swap meet and events are listed on craigak.com. There's not a month that goes by that doesn't have a special event. The 4th of July is a special time of year with more than 3 days of packed events. This year Craig is hosting the Island Art Extravaganza in September! They offer free site seeing trips through city hall, and you can even volunteer for a day and ride with their local EMS squad or the fight the fire you've always dreamed of!
Tlingit and Haida peoples traditionally used this area for its rich seafood resources, and still do. Craig is the most populous community on Prince of Wales Island and the leading business center.
In the early 1900s, a fish saltery was established on nearby Fish Egg Island and a salmon cannery was built in Craig. Beginning in the 1950s, Craig’s major industry was logging, but with changes in demand and less available timber for sale, the town has diversified into many other economic sectors.
Craig is the retail, service and transportation hub of the Island. Fishing, fish processing, timber operations, government and commercial services provide employment and goods for the community. Tourism and recreational opportunities also abound in Craig and surrounding areas. Among the recreational facilities are a community swimming pool, a city gym and numerous parks. A number of fishing charters and wildlife-watching options are available.
The City of Coffman Cove is along the Inside Passage on the east side of Prince of Wales Island. The community began as a logging camp in the 1950s. After the pulp mill in Ketchikan closed in the late 1990s, Coffman Cove reinvented itself. Residents in this community on the shore of a beautiful, protected bay developed commercial and recreational fishing to give them opportunities to stay.
Coffman Cove is an active community with a number of services for visitors. Access is via floatplane, boat or the scenic byway road in the center of the island. At the entrance to Coffman Cove is a big bay that’s great for beachcombing at low tide and ideal for spotting whales and other marine life when the tide is in. A covered picnic area and attractive businesses are located on the bay.
Coffman Cove was the site of a large archaeological project excavating a village of the Stikine Tlingit people; the settlement dates to 9,000 B.C. Nearby are many U.S. Forest Service recreational trails that lead to fishing streams and cabins, as well as opportunities for canoeing and boating. In summer, the City of Coffman Cove hosts two fishing derbies and the annual By the Sea Arts & Seafood Festival. See the events calendar in this guide or take your browser to www.ccalaska.com for more information.
