Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area, Alaska
Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area is located in Southeast Alaska and is mostly situated on Prince of Wales Island. Craig is the largest town in the area. Logging was once the main industry, but fishing and tourism have become more important over time.
The area has the most extensive road system in Southeast Alaska, although visitors still need to travel by ferry or plane to reach it from the mainland. The island is covered with dense forests and is home to abundant wildlife, including bears and deer.
Hyder, located on the mainland, is unique because it can be reached by road from Canada. The region has a rich Alaska Native heritage, particularly influenced by Tlingit and Haida cultures. Cave exploration also attracts some visitors. The area is known for its beautiful scenery, featuring mountains, forests, and coastline. Around 6,000 people live here in small towns and villages.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Unofficial seat: Craig (as census areas do not have official seats) |
| Population | Approximately 6,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, Kasaan, Hollis, Naukati Bay, Whale Pass, Hyder, Edna Bay, Port Protection, Point Baker |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Prince of Wales Island Road System provides transportation) |
| FIPS Code | 02-198 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 12,634 square miles (Land: 7,683 sq mi, Water: 4,951 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Petersburg Borough (North), City and Borough of Wrangell (Northeast), Ketchikan Gateway Borough (South), City and Borough of Sitka (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 55.4750° N, 133.1300° W |
| Etymology | Named after Prince of Wales Island and the community of Hyder |
| Major Landmarks | Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords National Monument, El Capitan Cave, Memorial Beach State Park, Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, Hyder Seaplane Base |
Alaska County Maps
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Census Area Name | Prince of Wales-Hyder Census Area |
| Census Area Seat | Unofficial seat: Craig (as census areas do not have official seats) |
| Population | Approximately 6,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Craig, Klawock, Hydaburg, Thorne Bay, Coffman Cove, Kasaan, Hollis, Naukati Bay, Whale Pass, Hyder, Edna Bay, Port Protection, Point Baker |
| Interstates and Highways | None (No interstates; Prince of Wales Island Road System provides transportation) |
| FIPS Code | 02-198 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 12,634 square miles (Land: 7,683 sq mi, Water: 4,951 sq mi) |
| Adjacent Boroughs and Census Areas (and Direction) | Petersburg Borough (North), City and Borough of Wrangell (Northeast), Ketchikan Gateway Borough (South), City and Borough of Sitka (Northwest) |
| Time Zone | Alaska Time Zone (AKT) |
| State | Alaska |
| Coordinates | 55.4750° N, 133.1300° W |
| Etymology | Named after Prince of Wales Island and the community of Hyder |
| Major Landmarks | Tongass National Forest, Misty Fjords National Monument, El Capitan Cave, Memorial Beach State Park, Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, Hyder Seaplane Base |