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Elfin Cove Alaska Canoe
Photo Credit: ATIA, Jocelyn Pride
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Elfin Cove

Elfin Cove

Beautiful, quaint, and out-of-the-way, Elfin Cove lies half hidden on the northern shore of Chichagof Island, 85 miles west of Juneau.

ABOUT ELFIN COVE

Boardwalks connect buildings and homes in this community of less than 10 year-round residents that sits across from Glacier Bay National Park near the rich fishing grounds in Cross Sound. Elfin Cove’s boardwalks are built on pilings as are many of the homes. There are no roads and no cars in Elfin Cove — just remote Alaska beauty. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the community becomes active during the summer when local businesses serve the commercial fishing fleet, and guests fill the sportfishing lodges.

THINGS TO DO

Visitors are attracted to the area’s stunning scenery, wildlife, world-class sportfishing, and the adventure of visiting such an isolated community. Fishermen are drawn to year-round fishing for halibut, ling cod, rockfish, and salmon. Kayaking the protected waters of Chichagof Island is also popular, along with viewing wildlife, hiking, and beachcombing. Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve is a short boat ride from Elfin Cove.

Most visitors to Elfin Cove arrive as part of package trips offered by the sportfishing lodges that combine accommodations, meals, wildlife viewing, photo safaris, and charter fishing in a single price. Charter fishing opportunities are offered through the lodges for king, silver, sockeye, chum, and pink salmon along with ling cod, rockfish, salmon sharks, and halibut. Excellent whale watching exists right outside your window. Sportfishing lodges can arrange half and full-day whale watching trips.

Located across Cross Sound from Elfin Cove is Brady Glacier, a beautiful and active tidewater glacier set deep in Taylor Bay, part of Glacier Bay National Park. Located on north Chichagof Island, Port Althorp Bear Reserve is a bear sanctuary where hunting has been banned since 1984. The result is a popular destination for viewing brown bears just minutes from Elfin Cove. The Port Althorp Cannery Site and the World War II Cannon Emplacement on George’s Island are all within 20 minutes by boat, as well.

Elfin Cove is only accessible by float plane or boat. Package trips and fishing lodges will help you arrange your transportation from Juneau, we’re you’ll board a float plane for a scenic 45 minute flight to Elfin Cove.

Learn more about fishing trips in Alaska.

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Adventure Fishing Tours offers private daily and multi-day trips in Southeast Alaska for groups of up to 6 people. Guests can enjoy fishing in...

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