One of the Inside Passage's most authentic escapes — no souvenir shops, no crowds, just Tlingit history, towering old-growth forest, and black bears fishing the creeks. Small ships only.
Kupreanof Island is exclusively a small-ship destination — expedition and coastal cruise vessels anchor offshore and ferry passengers in by Zodiac or skiff.
💡 Pro move: No large cruise ships call here — if you're on a mega-ship, this port is not on your itinerary. Cell service is extremely limited.
No dedicated cruise pier exists; expedition ships anchor and tender passengers to the Kake community dock.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions | Kake community dock, northwest Kupreanof Island📍 | Tendered |
| American Cruise Lines (small coastal ships) | Kake dock or nearby anchorage📍 | Tendered |
Kupreanof Island excursions lean heavily into Tlingit culture and raw Alaskan wilderness — expect guided hikes, bear viewing, and cultural performances rather than tourist shops.
Watch black bears fishing for salmon from a dedicated viewing platform at the old Gunnuk Creek Fish Hatchery. The Silver Spike Bridge offers another vantage point. Peak season July–August when salmon are running.
Find bear viewing tours →Witness traditional Tlingit regalia and dance performances by the Keex' Kwaan dancers at the lodge. An intimate, authentic cultural encounter unlike anything in the major Alaska ports.
Find cultural tours →Standing 132 feet, this pole — raised in 1971 and long celebrated as the tallest totem pole carved by a Native carver and raised in traditional ceremony — is one of Alaska's most striking cultural landmarks. Located a short walk from the dock — free to view.
Find Kake guided tours →Over 120 miles of logging roads wind through Kupreanof Island's Tongass National Forest, offering access to mountain vistas, salmon rivers, and remote wildlife habitat. Vehicle rentals available through Kake Tribal Corporation.
Find 4WD adventure tours →Paddle with local Tlingit guides in traditional-style canoes from near the cruise dock. A peaceful way to experience the coastal waterways and hear stories of the island's history.
Find canoe tours →Kake is compact and walkable from the dock; the totem pole and village center are just minutes away on foot.
From the Kake dock, walk into the village to see Kake's 132-ft ceremonial totem pole, the historic Keku Cannery, and the Keex' Kwaan Lodge. A flat, easy stroll through a living Tlingit community.
Stroll the Kake waterfront along the inlet. Bald eagles are frequently seen in the trees and along the shoreline, especially near any active salmon streams. Keep an eye on the water for river otters and harbor seals.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Kupreanof Island, Southeast Alaska, USA (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 38°F / 3°C | 33°F / 1°C | 20 | 8:22 AM | 3:48 PM |
| Feb | 36°F / 2°C | 30°F / -1°C | 15 | 7:22 AM | 4:57 PM |
| Mar | 40°F / 4°C | 33°F / 1°C | 17 | 7:10 AM | 6:59 PM |
| Apr | 46°F / 8°C | 37°F / 3°C | 18 | 5:46 AM | 8:06 PM |
| May | 54°F / 12°C | 44°F / 7°C | 14 | 4:36 AM | 9:08 PM |
| Jun | 58°F / 14°C | 49°F / 9°C | 16 | 4:01 AM | 9:51 PM |
| Jul | 62°F / 17°C | 53°F / 12°C | 14 | 4:25 AM | 9:37 PM |
| Aug | 61°F / 16°C | 53°F / 12°C | 17 | 5:24 AM | 8:34 PM |
| Sep | 56°F / 13°C | 48°F / 9°C | 17 | 6:27 AM | 7:12 PM |
| Oct | 48°F / 9°C | 42°F / 6°C | 18 | 7:30 AM | 5:51 PM |
| Nov | 41°F / 5°C | 36°F / 2°C | 22 | 7:38 AM | 3:41 PM |
| Dec | 38°F / 3°C | 32°F / 0°C | 19 | 8:28 AM | 3:13 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Kupreanof Island, Southeast Alaska, USA. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.