This small town is located on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska.
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Overview
Klawock is a historic Tlingit village located on the western coast of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. It is one of the oldest Native communities in Alaska, with a rich cultural heritage deeply connected to the land and sea. Klawock is particularly renowned for its impressive collection of totem poles, making it a significant center for Tlingit art and culture and often referred to as the "Totem Pole Capital of Alaska."
Surrounded by temperate rainforests, pristine waterways, and abundant wildlife, Klawock serves as a gateway to the vast wilderness of Prince of Wales Island, the third-largest island in the United States. It offers visitors an authentic Alaskan experience, blending a vibrant indigenous culture with unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventures like fishing, wildlife viewing, and exploring untouched natural beauty.
Explore the magnificent Klawock Totem Park, home to 21 beautifully carved and restored totem poles, making it one of the largest outdoor collections in Alaska. These poles tell stories of clans, historical events, and mythological figures, representing the rich artistic and cultural traditions of the Tlingit people.
Tip: Take your time to read the interpretive signs that explain the stories and significance of each pole. This is a must-do for cultural insight.
Adjacent to the Totem Park, you can often visit the Traditional Tlingit Carving Shed. Here, master carvers continue the ancient art form, working on new totems or restoring old ones. It's a rare opportunity to see this intricate and culturally significant craft in action.
Tip: Be respectful of the artists at work. You might be able to purchase smaller carvings or learn about the tools and techniques used.
Klawock is a prime destination for sport fishing, particularly for Pacific salmon (King, Coho, Sockeye) and halibut. Numerous local charters operate out of Klawock, offering guided fishing trips into the abundant waters surrounding Prince of Wales Island.
Tip: Book charters well in advance, especially during peak fishing season (May-September). Ensure your guide is licensed and knowledgeable about local regulations.
While seemingly an ordinary library, the Klawock Public Library is notable for being adorned with a beautifully carved totem pole right on its exterior, seamlessly blending Tlingit art into the community's modern life.
Tip: It's a quick stop that highlights the pervasive nature of totem art in the community.
Take a walk through the small village, visiting any local shops that offer Native Alaskan crafts or souvenirs. Stroll around the harbor to see the fishing boats and soak in the quiet, remote atmosphere of an Alaskan coastal community.
Tip: Klawock is a small town, so amenities are limited. Enjoy the peaceful pace of life.
Use Klawock as a base to take a scenic drive along some of the paved and unpaved roads of Prince of Wales Island. Explore the vast Tongass National Forest, look for wildlife (deer, bears), and enjoy the pristine natural beauty of the temperate rainforest.
Tip: Be aware of logging trucks on unpaved roads. Consider obtaining a map of the island's road system. Always practice bear safety.
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