Coffman Cove: Cove, Forest and Waterways
Accommodation in Coffman Cove
Coffman Cove is on the northeast coast of Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest. The large cove at the entrance to Coffman Cove offers opportunities for beachcombing at low tide; at high tide, visitors can watch whales and other marine life. The tides therefore set two different focuses for the day.
Cove, Beach and Wildlife Viewing
The Sea Side Picnic Area is near Coffman Cove. It has a picnic shelter, fire rings, additional picnic tables, an information kiosk, and a spotting scope; there is also beach access. This makes it possible to combine a stop at the picnic area with views of the coast.
Forest Trails and Bike Routes
The Hatchery Creek Trail is a boardwalk about half a mile long through old-growth forest and muskegs. It is accessible from Coffman Cove Road and ends at a large viewing platform. During salmon runs, visitors can watch salmon jumping at the waterfalls from there.
The First Dog/Second Dog mountain bike trails offer a different scale: together, they cover ten miles, including several one-way sections of two to three miles each. The trails begin about one mile from the town center along Coffman Cove Road. Thus, the much more extensive trail network and several longer sections contrast with the boardwalk, which is about half a mile long. Coffman Cove also has a disc golf course.
Paddling Routes and a Remote Cabin
The Sweetwater/Barnes Lake Canoe Trail passes through scenic wilderness along lakes and rivers to Coffman Cove. The Honker Divide Canoe Route is a challenging paddling route on rivers and lakes that is also connected to Coffman Cove. Two specific aspects are therefore important when choosing a trip: the wilderness route to Coffman Cove on one trail and the challenging nature of the other.
Outside Coffman Cove, in a remote location on Prince of Wales Island, Sweet Water Lake Cabin offers a special overnight stay. Fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife viewing are possible at the site. Vehicle access includes a boat trip of about 0.5 miles; alternatively, the cabin can be reached by floatplane or canoe. Weather and the season may affect access conditions; check the conditions for your chosen route before setting out.
Getting There and the Harbor
You can reach Coffman Cove by floatplane, boat, or along the scenic road in the island road network. Fuel is available in Coffman Cove on the Prince of Wales Island road network.
The Coffman Cove harbor has 60 slips and 180 feet of transient moorage. Because capacity can change with harbor operations, check specific slip availability in advance.
For the broader travel overview: Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area.
