Alaska’s Boardwalk Lodge, AK

Lodging, Meals, and Accommodations:

Boardwalk Lodge comfortably accommodates up to 19 guests. Our suites have been described as “rustic elegance.” Each suite is tastefully furnished and ensures your comfortable stay with us (many are wheelchair accessible).

Many suites have queen-size beds and attached baths. Our Aurora Executive Suite is ideal for larger families or groups, featuring three individual rooms and a great room for entertainment or meetings, plus a shared kitchenette, dining room, and laundry facility of its own.

Chefs prepare breakfast to order, a lunch buffet, plus a five-course gourmet meal, complete with complimentary house beers and wines. After an exhausting day, many guests can be found enjoying the spectacular view on one of the decks or relaxing in the outdoor jacuzzi.

Sample of Typical Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge
Guest traveling on public airlines will typically arrive in Ketchikan on an Alaska Airlines flight prior to 5pm. From there, a float plane takes you on a scenic, 33-minute ride straight to our dock, where Boardwalk staff will greet you and take luggage to your room. Once you settle in, you'll join us in the main lodge for dinner, drinks, and relaxation.

Days 2-7: Six Full Days of Fishing and Adventure
Each evening you'll meet briefly with your guide to plan the next day's adventure. Every morning between 6-7am your breakfast is made to order; then you pack a feast from our lunch buffet to enjoy stream-side; and finally hit the water. Your guide transports you by vehicle to your waterway of choice—one of 23 lakes, rivers, and streams on the island. Guides are scheduled for ten hours each day, generally from 7am to 5pm (additional hours may be arranged).

Day 8: Depart Boardwalk Lodge
Enjoy a hearty breakfast, pick up a last-minute trinket in our gift shop, and say your goodbyes. Your luggage, and any boxed fish fillets you have, will be waiting on our dock for your floatplane departure (usually between 9 and 10am). Enjoy another breathtaking flight to Ketchikan, and start planning your next Alaskan adventure!

What is Provided to Customer:

Most Boardwalk Lodge packages are all-inclusive, providing you with comfortable lodging, full guide and staff services, gourmet food, soft drinks, house beers and wines, transportation from Ketchikan, wet-weather gear, plus fishing licenses, and complete fishing gear and tackle. Orvis waders, boots, rods, reels, and flies are all provided.

What Should Customers Bring?

Bring comfortable clothing appropriate for temperatures ranging from 45 to 75 degrees. Layered clothing is the best bet to adjust to variable conditions. You can bring a backpack or dry bag on your day trip to store extra layers and personal belongings. Casual, comfortable clothing is appropriate for dinner.

Other items that can make your trip more enjoyable: comfortable shoes for around the lodge; bathing suit (required for jacuzzi); polarized sunglasses; camera, media cards, charger/batteries; heavy-duty Zip-lock bags to keep gear dry; sunscreen; binoculars; tobacco products; personal medications; and Dramamine for plane or boat rides. (Our gift shop carries many of the basics.)

On-site Activities:

When your casting arm grows tired, our saltwater captains lead daily excursions from a fleet of 28-foot cruisers, each fitted with heated cabin and restroom. Guests can tangle with fighting king salmon, and experience the thrill of hauling in one of Alaska’s monster halibut that often range well over 100 pounds.

This area is comprised of hundreds of islands, protected passages, bays and inlets; the waters teem with aquatic life. It's a thrill to see enormous humpback whales and orcas surfacing, dolphins diving, and otters playing in these pristine waters. Bald eagles, black bears and Sitka black-tail deer are just a few animals you can observe here.

Off-site Activities:

A host of activities for the adventurer include sea kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, and spelunking in the El Capitan Caves (North America's deepest cavern system).

Sightseeing, hiking, and photography excursions can be also arranged, including guided tours to the island's famous totem village in Kassan and trips to Anan Creek Bear Observatory.

Species You Fish for by Season

Steelhead: April
Cutthroat: May - September
Silver salmon (coho): late July - September
Pink salmon (humpback): mid July - August
Dog salmon (chums): late July - August
Dolly Varden: May - September

Date Range:

The lodge early season opens in April for native steelhead and runs through September with our second silver salmon run.

Region/Terrain Where You Fish:

Guides will lead you in pursuit of numerous fish species at the hottest fishing holes at 23 lakes, rivers, and streams on breathtaking Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. Most of these waterways have convenient walk/wade access. Your fly-fishing excursions are typically accessed via vehicle. Although available, the added expense of a fly-out trip is completely unnecessary. Many of these waters are only fished when Boardwalk guests venture out, allowing you to cast and catch in solitude.

Typical Weather by Season:

The climate here on Prince of Wales Island is that of a high latitude rainforest. Weather conditions change frequently, especially during spring and fall months. Temperatures in spring and fall range from 35 - 65 degrees, while summer temperatures range from 45 - 75 degrees. Weather is generally comparable to that of Seattle.

Where is Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge?

Boardwalk Lodge is located on Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska—a short 33-minute floatplane ride west of Ketchikan. It is positioned on the northeast corner of the island, facing Alaska’s Inside Passage.

How do we get there?

Guests traveling from "the lower 48" fly to Seattle’s SeaTac airport, take a 90-minute Alaska Airlines flight to Ketchikan, then a 33-minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan to the dock at Boardwalk Lodge.

What clothing should I bring?

Bring comfortable, casual clothing appropriate for temperatures ranging from 45-75 degrees. Layered clothing is recommended so you can adjust to changing conditions.

Can I bring my own fishing gear?

Guests who prefer to bring their own gear are certainly welcome to do so. However, the lodge provides top-notch Orvis rods, reels, waders, boots, and other gear to ensure a successful fishing experience.

How do we get to the water?

The lodge boasts 23 fishable lakes, streams, and rivers within a short, scenic drive, and a fleet of Suburbans to get you to the fish quickly, comfortably, and safely. This makes costly and time consuming fly-outs unnecessary, though they can be arranged.

How long can I fish each day?

Guides are scheduled for ten hours fishing time each day, from 7am to 5pm. Additional hours may be arranged with the lodge manager.

Are children welcome?

Children 10 years and older can accompany their parents or guardians; however, daycare or babysitting services are not available. The lodge has a wide selection of DVDs, board games, and video games available to help keep younger guests entertained.

Do you have beverage service?

Coolers are stocked with your choice of soft drinks, bottled water, and popular beer brands. House wine and beer are available free of charge, while you enjoy a delicious assortment of appetizers and hors d’oeuvres. We also stock an assortment of other alcoholic beverages for purchase. Premium wines by the glass and mixed drinks are available for a nominal fee.