Coffman Cove: Cove, Forest, and Trails

Coffman Cove is on the northeast coast of Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest. You can reach the community by floatplane, boat, or along the scenic road through the island’s road system. Coast, forest, and waterways offer different ways to shape your trip: activities in the cove depend on the tides, the trails bring forest and salmon into focus, and routes on the water follow lakes and rivers.

Getting There and Practical Information

Fuel is available in Coffman Cove along the Prince of Wales Island road system. The harbor has 60 slips and 180 feet of transient moorage. This capacity may change with harbor operations. If you need a slip, confirm current availability with the harbor in advance.

The Sea Side Picnic Area is near Coffman Cove. It has a picnic shelter, fire rings, additional picnic tables, an information kiosk, and a viewing scope. The site also has beach access, making it a convenient place to enjoy the coast with a range of facilities.

The Cove and the Tides

The large cove at the entrance to Coffman Cove offers opportunities for beachcombing at low tide. At high tide, you may be able to watch whales and other marine life. The tides therefore change what you can focus on in the cove: at low water, the shoreline takes center stage; at high tide, it’s observation on the water. If you’re interested in both, factor the water level into your daily plans.

Trails on Land

The Hatchery Creek Trail is an approximately half-mile boardwalk through old-growth forest and muskegs, or boggy wetlands. It is accessible from Coffman Cove Road and ends at a large viewing platform. During salmon runs, you can watch salmon leaping at the waterfalls. The trail combines a route through forest and wetlands with a seasonal wildlife-viewing destination.

The First Dog/Second Dog mountain bike trail system covers 10 miles in total. Several one-way sections are two to three miles long; these individual segments and the total length describe different parts of the system. The trailhead is about a mile from the town center on Coffman Cove Road. Access details may change, so confirm access locally before planning a specific ride. Coffman Cove also has a disc golf course. If you plan to visit, check its current condition beforehand.

Routes on the Water

The Sweetwater/Barnes Lake Canoe Trail travels through scenic wilderness across lakes and rivers to Coffman Cove. Water conditions and difficulty can vary; take both into account when planning your trip. The route offers a different perspective on the area than the land trails, although conditions on the water can’t be planned as consistently.

Local History and Cuisine

Coffman Cove was the site of an archaeological project to excavate a Stikine Tlingit village. The settlement is dated to 9000 BC. Coffman Cove oysters are served as a local specialty. If they’re important to your plans, check on availability.

A Remote Cabin on Prince of Wales Island

Outside Coffman Cove, the remote Sweet Water Lake Cabin is on Prince of Wales Island. It offers an overnight stay in a remote setting, with opportunities at the site for fishing, hunting, boating, and wildlife viewing. You can get there by vehicle followed by an approximately 0.5-mile boat trip, by floatplane, or by canoe. Access conditions may vary with the weather and season. If you plan to stay at the cabin, confirm these conditions in advance.

For the broader travel overview: Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area.