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The island is dominated by a cool and moist maritime climate. During the summers, the
average temperatures vary from 45 degrees to 75 degrees F. Yearly precipitation averages
from 60" to 200" based on the exact locale. Prince of Wales is part of the
Alexander Archipelago in the southernmost portion of the Alaska panhandle and is the third
largest island in the United States. (Kodiak is the largest island and Hawaii is the
second.) Our island is 135 miles long and 4 miles across. Its 990 miles of coastline has
numerous bays, coves, inlets and points. The landscape is characterized by steep, forested
mountains and deep U-shaped valleys that were carved out by glacial ice which once covered
this area.
Flora: The forests are primarily Western Hemlock and Sitka Spruce, Red Cedar,
Alaska Yellow Cedar, Red Alder and Pacific Silver. The ground cover consists largely of
blueberry and huckleberry bushes, young evergreens, moss, ferns, devil's club and lichens.
Muskeg is a term you are likely to hear in a description of the land. It is a
network of roots, and branches scattered with soil and covered with sphagnum moss, and is
very common throughout Alaska and adds a spring to your walk.
Flowering Plants: are typically Beach Pea, Beach Strawberry, Cow Parsnip, Wild
Iris, Yarrow, Red Paintbrush, Seabeach Sandwort, Western Columbine, Goosetongue, Indian
Rice, Wild Celerv, Beach Asparagus, Ryegrass and Vetch.
 Fauna: The most prevalent mammals in this area are black bears, wolves, Sitka
blacktail deer, mink, martens, river otters, sea lions, seals, red squirrels and beaver.
One of the most thrilling birds is the bald eagle. More bald eagles are concentrated in
Southeastern Alaska than anywhere else in the world. Ravens and eagles are birds honored
by the Native Indians. Much of the art of their culture depicts these two birds from whom
the various clans derive their family crests. There are more than 200 species of birds
indigenous to Alaska. Some of the varieties you may see are: loon, heron, kingfisher,
tern, swallow, sandpiper, woodpecker, robin, Stellar's jay, thrush, murre, auklet, gull
and many species of ducks. In the latter part of the season the air resounds with calls
from Canadian Geese in flight.
There are many species of whales in our waters. The Gray Whales have a grayish
appearance and "knuckles" where a dorsal fin would otherwise be. The world's
only remaining population of these whales is located off the coast of western North
America, where they make a 13,000 mile round trip from Alaska to Baja California, the
longest migration of any mammal.
 The Humpback Whale is easily recognized by its long flippers and lumpy dorsal fin and
is considered rare throughout the world. These whales were once numerous but were slow
swimmers and there, fore the first species taken whenever whalers moved into a new area.
It is estimated that there are no more than 5,000 humpbacks left in the world. This is the
"singing whale," whose songs have been the subject of several records.
The Killer Whale or Orca is the most widely distributed of all cetaceans and is found
throughout all the oceans of the world. Males can reach a length of 30', females only 28'.
They are fast, powerful and intelligent and are surprisingly docile when in captivity.
 Fish: Prince of Wales Island and Waterfall are recognized for the great number
and size of trout and salmon found in the surrounding waters. Included are: King or
Chinook salmon, Silver or Coho salmon, Red or Sockeye salmon, Dog or Chum salmon, Pink or
Humpback salmon, Dolly Varden char, rainbow, steelhead and cutthroat trout. Depending on
the species, good fishing begins in mid-April and extends through September. In the waters
surrounding Waterfall, Kings have been caught to 70 + lbs., Silvers 20 + lbs., and halibut
may weigh over 300 lbs.
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