Waterfall Resort Alaska

Imagine a unique combination of Alaska's wild nature and a rich industrial past. Waterfall Resort is an elite fishing resort located on the picturesque Prince of Wales Island near the city of Ketchikan, USA. Occupying 52 acres of coastal land, this complex offers its guests exclusive access to some of the world's most fish-rich waters.

Waterfall Resort. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The resort was created on the site of the historic Waterfall Cannery, founded in 1912. Today, guests are offered accommodation in meticulously restored historic buildings: from cozy Boardwalk Cabins to spacious ocean-view townhouses. Here, the vintage atmosphere of the early 20th century harmoniously coexists with modern service, including free Wi-Fi and comfortable rooms.

The main highlight of this place is the chance to catch trophy King Salmon or giant halibut under the guidance of professional guides. Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest—Waterfall Resort is home to whales, bald eagles, and black bears, making it a paradise not only for anglers but also for photography and wildlife enthusiasts.

To clarify booking conditions or organize a transfer, you can contact representatives of Waterfall Resort directly. The company's logistics coordination office is located in the center of Ketchikan.

The main reason travelers come here is for world-class sport fishing. Aboard one of 27 specially equipped boats accompanied by an experienced guide, you will go hunting for King and Silver salmon, giant halibut, or lingcod. The resort provides all the conditions for your comfort: your catch will be professionally cleaned, vacuum-packed, and frozen so you can take it home with you.

Competitive guests can take part in the famous King of Kings Salmon Tournament. The chance to win a large cash prize or a new car adds extra excitement to every bite. And after a busy day on the ocean, it's worth stopping by the legendary Lagoon Saloon, where it’s so pleasant to discuss the day's successes with like-minded people over a game of billiards or darts.

In addition to fishing, Waterfall Resort offers excellent opportunities for ecotourism. You can take a walk to the picturesque waterfall after which the resort is named, or watch for whales and orcas right from the shore. A 1.5-kilometer walking route passes through the historic buildings of the old cannery, allowing you to take unique photos and, if you're lucky, see black bears or deer in their natural habitat.

The journey to Waterfall Resort begins with a flight to the city of Ketchikan, which serves as the main gateway to Southeast Alaska. The most popular route is a 90-minute Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle. Upon arrival at Ketchikan Airport, guests are met by resort representatives who assist with luggage and further check-in.

Since the complex is located in a remote area on Prince of Wales Island, it can only be reached by air or sea. The fastest and most comfortable way is by seaplane. The flight from Ketchikan takes about 25–30 minutes and passes over picturesque fjords and the dense forests of the Tongass. This breathtaking journey allows you to see the Alaskan wilderness from a bird's-eye view before even arriving at the resort.

The resort's city office address is: 320 Dock St, Ketchikan, AK 99901. Although the island can be reached by the Alaska Marine Highway ferry, a seaplane remains the preferred option as it allows you to start fishing on the day of your arrival. There is no public transport to the resort itself, so all travel must be coordinated with the lodge administration in advance.

The history of Waterfall Resort began long before it became a popular tourist destination. In 1912, the Alaska Fish and Oceanic Packing companies founded the Waterfall Cannery here—a salmon canning plant. The location on the western shore of Prince of Wales Island was perfectly chosen: the abundant fish resources and proximity to salmon migration routes ensured the enterprise's rapid growth.

By the 1930s, under the management of the Nakat Packing Corporation, the cannery had grown into a true industrial town. A dam, power plant, machine shop, residential barracks, and a dining hall were built here. In 1936, a historic record was set: the plant produced 220,000 cases of canned silver salmon. During World War II, the plant operated at full capacity, supplying food to the US military and allies.

In the 1970s, due to changes in fishing legislation, the plant closed, but its story did not end there. Entrepreneur Edward "Des" Moore purchased the property and began transforming the industrial giant into a cozy lodge. In 1980, the rights passed to the Waterfall Group, which conducted a large-scale restoration. Former warehouses and residential buildings were converted into comfortable guest rooms, while preserving the early-century atmosphere and architecture.

Today, the complex celebrates over a hundred years since the original cannery's founding and more than forty years of successful operation as a resort. In 1985, the famous Lagoon Saloon opened here, becoming the center of evening life, and in 1989, the King of Kings tournament was launched, which continues to attract hundreds of professional anglers every year.

For a full immersion into the atmosphere of Waterfall Resort and productive fishing, a standard one-day visit will not be enough. Given the remoteness of the location and the boat departure schedule, it is recommended to plan a trip for 3 to 7 days. This timeframe allows you not only to master various fishing techniques but also to fully switch over to the rhythm of the wilderness.

A week-long stay is considered ideal for those who want to participate in fishing tournaments and have time to explore the island's surroundings. If your schedule is limited, you can choose a short 3-4 day tour, which typically includes transfers, accommodation, and daily guided ocean outings. Remember that the weather in Alaska is changeable, so having extra time ensures you won't miss the best fishing moments.

The Waterfall Resort operates in a state of full readiness to ensure guests have a seamless getaway in the wilderness. The administration and support services are available to visitors at all times, allowing for flexible planning of ocean outings and arrival times.

According to official data, the facility is open for guests and services daily and around the clock (24 hours). Operating schedule by day of the week:

• Monday — Sunday: 24 hours a day.

Since the route to Waterfall Resort inevitably passes through Ketchikan, tourists have a great opportunity to explore the sights of this colorful port city. Discovering historic waterfront districts and learning about the culture of Alaska's indigenous peoples makes for a perfect addition to a fishing tour.

Interesting architectural monuments and open-air museums are located within walking distance of the resort's city office on Dock Street. You can see the famous totem poles, walk along scenic trails, and feel the atmosphere of the Gold Rush era.