Coronation Island Wilderness

Rising to almost 2,000 forested feet above the sea, Coronation Island stands off the west coast of Prince of Wales Island, south of Kuiu Island and north of Noyes Island. Stands of tall Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the island and extend to the shoreline, which in places falls away at sheer cliffs. Understory vegetation is lush and varied. The Henyakwan Tlingit traditionally used Coronation Island and would often camp in Egg Harbor while awaiting fair weather to travel out to the Hazy Islands, where they would gather bird eggs. A lead mine operated on the west shore of Egg Harbor from the early 1900s until the late 1960s. In addition to a healthy population of various seabird species, Coronation's inhabitants also include Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, and, recently, wolves. Sea otters, Steller's sea lions, harbor seals, and seasonal humpback whales are common sights off shore. Strong prevailing winds from the open ocean and a steep, ragged coastline make the windward side of the island virtually inaccessible. On the leeward side you'll find some protected coves and beaches guarded by rocky shoals that make all approaches risky. Access is generally via floatplane or boat, and there are no developed trails or facilities on the island. Wilderness camping is unrestricted, but you may want to bring along your own firewood, as there is a constant canopy of foggy skies and the wood here rarely dries out. Fishing and hunting are allowed. Coronation Island receives few human visitors and is a prime example of Alaskan Wilderness.