Why Hinchinbrook Island Stands Out
Hinchinbrook Island offers visitors a rare chance to experience Alaska’s coastal wilderness without crowds. Located in Prince William Sound, the island features steep mountains rising from the sea, dense spruce and hemlock forests, and sheltered bays that shelter sea otters, harbor seals, and whales. Its 200-plus miles of shoreline and interior trails provide solitude for hikers and paddlers seeking genuine backcountry immersion.
Getting There
Access is by water taxi or floatplane from the port towns of Cordova or Valdez. Most travelers arrive in Cordova via the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, then arrange a charter boat for the short crossing to the island’s sheltered anchorages. Floatplane flights offer scenic aerial views but are weather-dependent. There are no roads or scheduled ferry services directly to the island, so advance planning with local operators is essential.
Best Time to Visit
The prime season runs from late May through early September when temperatures are mildest and daylight is longest. July and August bring the highest chance of clear weather for hiking and kayaking, though rain is possible any month. Winter visits are rare and require significant self-sufficiency due to storms and limited daylight.
Things to See and Do
The island’s trail network includes the challenging 22-mile Hinchinbrook Island Loop that traverses alpine meadows and old-growth forest. Kayakers can circumnavigate sections of the coastline or explore protected coves for fishing and wildlife viewing. Brown bears, black bears, and Sitka black-tailed deer are commonly sighted; whale-watching is excellent from the surrounding waters. Anglers target halibut and salmon in the bays. Camping is permitted at designated sites; visitors must practice Leave No Trace principles.
Where to Stay
Overnight options are limited to backcountry camping. No developed lodges or cabins exist on the island itself. Visitors typically base in Cordova or Valdez and make day trips or multi-day camping excursions.
Nearby Attractions
From Hinchinbrook, boaters can reach nearby Hawkins Island, the Columbia Glacier, or the historic town of Valdez. The broader Prince William Sound offers glacier calving tours and additional remote islands for extended paddling routes.
