Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located in southeastern Alaska, the Prince of Wales - Hyder Census Area encompasses the majority of Prince of Wales Island and surrounding smaller islands, extending toward the Alaska-British Columbia border near Hyder. This remote and wild region is noted for its extensive old-growth temperate rainforest, fjord-like waterways, and abundant wildlife. It serves as home to the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, which covers much of the area and protects a diverse habitat supporting species such as bears, eagles, salmon, and Sitka black-tailed deer. The census area also contains designated wilderness areas like the South Prince of Wales Wilderness and the Misty Fiords National Monument nearby, offering pristine landscapes of mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers.
Outdoor recreation in this area is diverse: hiking through moss-draped forests, kayaking along sheltered channels, fishing for abundant salmon and halibut, wildlife observation, and backcountry camping are popular. The region’s cultural history is rooted in the Tlingit and Haida indigenous peoples, whose traditions and heritage continue to shape the identity of the communities here. Notable landmarks include the Crimson Lake area, with views of snow-capped peaks, and the town of Hyder, known as Alaska’s friendliest border crossing.
Access is generally by ferry or plane, making the Prince of Wales - Hyder Census Area a destination for those seeking tranquility, wilderness, and an authentic Alaskan experience. Visitors appreciate the solitude, rich biodiversity, and spectacular glacial scenery that remain relatively unspoiled by heavy tourism.
