Port
Klawock, Alaska, USA
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
Excursion Type
All
Wheelchair Accessible
No
Starting At (prices in USD)
$140
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
Meals Included
Meals not included
Welcome to Klawock, one of the earliest known settlements along the Northwest Coast of North America. Nestled on Prince of Wales Island, surrounded by lush forests and pristine waters, it is known for its rich Native American culture and natural beauty. Today you’ll discover some of the captivating landscape that defines this remote Alaskan community.
Your journey starts with a glimpse into how the past and present intersect as you walk along the Klawock River trail. Home to Klawock Heenya’s earliest settlement, today the Klawock River is renowned for Alaska’s best year-round river fishing. Follow the river bank on this easy walking trail, as towering trees and the soothing melody of the river accompany your scenic exploration of the flora and fauna.
Reboard your bus and continue along to the Klawock Heenya Carving Shed. Here the artistry and heritage of totem pole carving come to life as you visit the active workshop of master formline artist Jon Rowan and the training grounds for Klawock’s next generation of totem carvers at the carving shed. This carving shed is a testament to the community’s dedication to preserving and sharing traditional craftsmanship, where you will learn how to select the right tree, details about the traditional and modern carving techniques, and how the community of Klawock maintains some of the oldest totem poles in Alaska while continuing to add new poles to their totem history.
Finally, head to Klawock Totem Park and stand among Klawock’s totem towers. With twenty-one unique pieces of formline art, this is the largest collection of totems in Alaska including story, healing, and totem poles of shame. Klawock’s totem park is a journey through history, sloping from the hill to the sea. Your local guide will share the meaning of these incredible monuments that represent different Tlingit tribes from around Southeast Alaska and their connection with Klawock.
At the end of tour, head back to the port with memories that will last a lifetime.