You can drive to the small community of Port Protection but only with the aid of several ferries, a bumpy road, plus plenty of time and money. The Port Protection community is located on the northern tip of the remote Prince of Wales Island in Alaska. As the island has no road connections, bridges, or tunnels to the mainland, direct road travel is out of the question. However, there is a way to travel to Port Protection indirectly by road.
A rugged road links Labouchere Bay, which is close to Port Protection, with Hollis, in the center of Prince of Wales Island. From Hollis, there is a daily vehicle ferry that sails to Ketchikan, close to the Alaskan mainland. Ketchikan is in turn, serviced by vehicle ferries that travel from the Alaskan and Canadian mainland. Therefore it is possible to get your vehicle to the outskirts of Port Protection, albeit with the helps of several ferry connections.
Port Protection is located on the northern tip of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska. Prince of Wales Island is the third-largest island in the United States and part of the Alexander Archipelago. It is situated in the state’s southernmost region, near the border with Canada. In the most recent census in 2020, the permanent population of Port Protection stood at just 36 residents.
You’ll hear the term ‘remote’ used frequently when discussing different towns and settlements in Alaska. However, it’s fair to say that Port Protection is a more remote destination than many others. With no airport or ferry port, travel to this small settlement does become quite challenging. That being said, there remain a few options for reaching Port Protection.
Port Protection’s location on Prince of Wales Island means it is separated from the mainland by the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean. This largely rural and untouched area has no bridges or tunnels, meaning the only way to bring a vehicle to the island is by ferry. However, once on the island, it’s possible to drive up to Port Protection from Hollis, the ferry port site. It’s an adventurous journey that shouldn’t be undertaken lightly, but it’s one you’ll remember forever.
A network of ferries services much of southeastern Alaska and the communities around the Gulf of Alaska. Known as the Alaska Marine Highway System, they provide a valuable lifeline to the many remote communities. Unfortunately, Port Protections’ tiny population, absence of a port, and remote setting mean it is not on the ferry network. However, the relatively nearby city of Ketchikan is on the Alaska Marine Highway System. It receives a regular flow of ferries from the mainland and other coastal areas.
The great news for intrepid travelers is that you can take a local ferry from Ketchikan to Hollis, a centrally located town on Prince of Wales Island. From Hollis, it’s easy enough to arrange transportation to Port Protection by taxi or car hire.
The ferry from Ketchikan sails year-round with a daily sailing in each direction. The journey takes 3 hours in either direction to sail the 36-mile route. The scenery on the journey is stunning. Ferries leave Hollis at 8 a.m. each morning and return from Ketchikan at 3:30 pm.
Port Protection does not have a local airport, so the only way to fly to the settlement is by seaplane. The most common way to reach Port Protection is by taking a commercial flight to Ketchikan, Alaska, which has an airport accessible by road. From there, you can charter a seaplane to reach Port Protection. Similar services are also available from the city of Sitka, which is also accessible by commercial flights or by the Alaska Marine Highway Service.
There is limited availability for charter services in Alaska, particularly during summer. Therefore, book well in advance if you’re considering undertaking this journey. If you fly from Ketchikan to Port Protection, the journey should take around 1 hour and 25 minutes.
While Port Protection is a small and remote community, there are several activities and attractions that visitors can enjoy while in the area.
Here are some of the best things to do in Port Protection:
Fishing: Port Protection is known for its excellent fishing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, you should try your luck catching salmon, halibut, and rockfish. The surrounding waters are teaming with fish, offering a pristine and rewarding fishing experience.
Wildlife Viewing: Port Protection is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty and abundant wildlife. This includes spotting bald eagles, humpback whales, orcas, seals, sea lions, and various bird species. You could also encounter bears, deer, and other land animals while out and about.
Outdoor Adventures: Prince of Wales Island’s rugged and pristine wilderness provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor adventures. Hiking the surrounding scenic trails is undoubtedly the most popular pastime, but you can also explore the coastline by kayak or canoe.
Photography: Port Protection allows photographers and nature enthusiasts to capture amazing landscapes and unique wildlife. The picturesque scenery, including pristine forests, rocky shorelines, and snow-capped mountains, provides a stunning backdrop for memorable photographs.
Meet the Locals: Interacting with the small but friendly local community can be a hugely rewarding experience. You can learn about the history and culture of Port Protection, as well as gain insights into the lifestyle and traditions of the residents.
For the best experience, it is generally best to visit Port Protection during the summer months of June to August. This period offers mild temperatures and long daylight hours, allowing you ample time to undertake plentiful outdoor activities. It’s the ideal conditions to enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities and see the abundant wildlife. It’s also great conditions to explore the stunning natural surroundings.
The summer season brings a lively atmosphere to Port Protection, with far more services and activities available for visitors. Outside of the summer, it’s a far quieter experience with much colder temperatures. The fall season, from September to October, is generally regarded as the second best time to visit, with the beautiful fall foliage and a quieter vibe. Spring and winter are considered off-season, with limited access to the area and few services in the community. If you choose to visit at this time, it provides the opportunity for a pretty unique experience.
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