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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). This island is 135 miles
long and 40 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 that 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. The western climate never allows the vegetation to
completely decay, making a network of roots and branches
scattered with soil and covered with sphagnum moss. It is very
common throughout Alaska and adds a spring to your walk.
Flowering Plants: (The type of flowering plants you
will see) are typically Beach Pea, Beach Strawberry, Cow
Parsnip, Wild Iris, Yarrow, Red Paintbrush, Seabeach Sandwort,
Western Columbine, Goosetongue, Indian Rice, Wild Celery,
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 which 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 surrounding 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 still are slow
swimmers, and they were 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 of the oceans of the
world. Males can reach a length of 30 feet, females only 28
feet. 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 Resort, Kings
have been caught to 70+ pounds, Silvers 20+ pounds, and
Halibut may weight over 300 pounds. |
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