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Kake

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A beachfront village with a fishing, logging and subsistence lifestyle, you can find the town of Kake on the edge of the Tebenkof Bay Wilderness. Located 38 miles northwest of Petersburg, the community of 519 is the historical home for the Kake tribe of Tlingits who controlled the trade routes around Kuiu and Kupreonof islands.

The waters surrounding Kake are rich with halibut and salmon making it a world-class destination for anglers and a prime spot for whale watching. More than 120 miles of logging road head inland from the village and can be used with a mountain bike or on foot to explore Kupreonof Island. Trail access from the roadway includes Big John Bay Trail, Goose Lake Trail and Cathedral Falls Trail while bear viewing is possible along Silver Spike Road Bridge and at Gunnuck Creek Hatchery where large number of chum salmon return every summer.

Kake also serves as the departure point for ocean kayak trips into Tebenkof Bay Wilderness, a remote bay system composed of hundreds of islands, small inner bays and coves. The return paddle is a scenic 10-day adventure that can lead to sightings of bald eagles, black bears and a variety of marine mammals. Paddlers should have experience in ocean touring and be prepared to handle a number of portages. Kayaks can be rented in either Juneau or Petersburg and carried on board the ferry to Kake.

The Kake tribe was known for defending their territory against other tribal groups. Early explorers and traders also had occasional skirmishes with the tribe and in 1869 an act of retribution for killing a Kake Native prompted the U.S. Navy to invade the area. The Kakes had little choice at that point but to disperse among other tribes on Kuiu Island. The world's largest totem pole was commissioned by Kake and carved by Chilkats in 1967 to celebrate Alaska's centennial and now stands on a bluff overlooking town.

Kake

Kake is located on the northwest coast of Kupreanof Island along Keku Strait and is a port-of-call for the Alaska Marine Highway twice weekly on its run between Petersburg and Sitka. Scheduled air taxi also connects Kake to Juneau and Petersburg.

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Kake

The Alaska Marine Highway terminal is only a quarter mile south of Kake so even if you’re not departing the ferry you can step ashore for a quick view of the Tlingit village.

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Attractions

Charter fishing +

Charter boat captains based in Kake offer a variety of fishing adventures including targeting king salmon from May through June, silver salmon July through September and halibut practically year round.
Dog Salmon Festival +

The village of Kake comes alive in late July when residents stage their annual Dog Salmon Festival.
Tebenkof Bay Wilderness +

Kake is the departure point for sea kayakers headed into Tebenkof Bay Wilderness, a remote bay system composed of hundreds of islands, small inner bays and coves. The paddle is a scenic, 10-day adventure that can offer sightings of bald eagles, black bears and various marine mammals. Paddlers should have ocean-touring experience and be prepared to handle a number of portages. Kayaks can be rented in Juneau, Sitka or Petersburg and then carried on the ferry to Kake.
Wildlife Viewing +

Located where Frederick Sound meets Stephens Passage and Chatham Strait, Kake is home to the largest congregation of humpback whales in Alaska. Throughout the summer whales migrate through and feed in this area with the peak feeding period in July and August. Charter boat operators based in Kake can arrange a variety of wildlife viewing adventures that include whale watching.

Bear viewing is also possible when chum salmon returns in the summer at the Gunnuck Creek Hatchery and at the Kake Historic Cannery as well as Silver Spike Road Bridge.