Located near the native village of Craig on the western shore of the island, this resort is a 40-minute floatplane ride northwest from Ketchikan. Considered by many travelers to be Alaska's premier sportfishing resort, this property encompasses charming cannery buildings on a waterfront wharf that dates to 1912. Though there is some irony in celebrities and captains of industry staying in cottages built for cannery workers, this wilderness resort is nevertheless one of the state's outstanding and unique travel experiences.
The hotel serves its "wilderness gourmet" meals in the family-style dining room overlooking Ulloa Channel through picture windows. The spectacular scenery is home to whales, eagles, otters and black bears (but the mounted fish above the stone fireplace is equally eye-catching). Here, guests can sit back with their laptops and enjoy the complimentary wireless Internet.
The primary activity for guests here is world-class salmon and halibut fishing, which culminates in a yearly $100,000 tournament for a prize fish (usually weighing 60 pounds or more). The resort is proud of its top-notch fleet, equipment and professional guides, all of whom are certified by the Coast Guard. It is not unusual for guests to
leave here with 70 pounds of vacuum-packed fish fillets.
Those seeking other activities can hike to the waterfall and spot wildlife along the way. Since the staff-to-guest ratio is 1 to 1, service is a premium and the staff can arrange special activities. Complimentary coffee is available all day in the lobby. Other public spaces on-site are the Saloon Lagoon lounge complete with billiards and ping pong tables, a general store, fitness room and conference space for 40, with business and computer services. An Alaska Airlines ticket agent handles flight arrangements on-site.
The white clapboard guest cottages (neatly lined up like a scene on a New England fishing village postcard) were significantly upgraded when the resort opened, but time has taken its toll. Accommodations, either in lodges, suites or cottages, feature wobbly pine and oak furnishings, worn-thin comforters on beds and weak showers. The bi-level suites boast fireplaces, dining areas, kitchens, laundry facilities and whirlpool tubs. Extras such as ice buckets and fruit baskets are restocked daily, but faded artwork and brochures are the only other in-room diversions. Most guests, however, choose to spend their time lounging on the deck in front, enjoying the water views and camaraderie of their neighbors. The prime choice units are the waterfront cabins and suites offering a living room, more attractive furnishings, microwave oven and refrigerator.
Package rates include floatplane transfers from Ketchikan and guided fishing tours, tackle, bait and processing of the catch. Rates quoted here are for a three-night/four-day stay. Pets are not allowed, but there is plenty of animal companionship in the vicinity. The resort is open late May to late August. Reservations should be made at least six months ahead. The nautically inclined outdoorsman will be overjoyed by the pleasant attention and amenities.