Elfin Cove

WELCOME TO ELFIN COVE
” 360 degrees of scenic views“

A quaint village with only about 30 full-time residents, Elfin Cove is near the rich fishing grounds of  Cross Sound and has a reputation for being a Fisherman’s Paradise with waters that provide an incredible array of halibut, ling cod, rockfish and salmon.

Elfin Cove lies about 80 miles west of Juneau on the northern shore of Chichagof Island.

Surrounded by the Tongass National Forest, the community begins buzzing with activity during the summer months when local businesses serve the commercial fishing fleets that pass through during the warmer season, and the many guests who fill the village lodges.

Boardwalks connect this small village of buildings and homes.  In addition to the local post office, there is a general store that keeps a wide-ranging inventory from clothing to mustard, fishing tackle to pottery, photo postcards to alcoholic beverages and everything in between.

The Elfin Cove Museum shares the story of the town’s unique history from its founding in 1930 as “Gunk Hole” to today’s little gem known as Elfin Cove.

Other buildings in town include the various lodges with full service dining options and a few seasonal restaurants that offer good food and great conversation with the locals and other visitors to the island.

Lastly, if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during the Fourth of July, the Elfin Cove’s annual Independence Day Celebration has become a favorite event in the community.  Festivities include a pancake breakfast, a kid-led parade, a chili cook-off, the tricky “grease pole” competition and the famous banana slug races.

As one would expect, unparalleled fishing, breath-taking views and untouched nature of the region are the primary draws that bring visitors to Elfin Cove year after year.  Experts recommend carving out a least three days to fully enjoy everything the community has to offer.

ACTIVITIES 

There are some wonderful Elfin Cove attractions that you can enjoy. Guests spend their days hiking the trails, sightseeing, and immersing themselves in various wilderness adventures. A short boat ride could have you bathing at White Sulfur Springs, flying through the treetops on a zip line course or hiking on an island in search of an old military outpost.

You could also explore beaches within kayaking distance. Imagine getting an up close look at the awe inspiring Brady Glacier.

Wildlife is abundant in and around the cove. While strolling along the dock or boardwalk you will be delighted by brightly colored sun stars and octopus in the water. Bald eagles soar over the community as hummingbirds feast on the decks of the lodge. You can watch the sea lions and sea otters playing in the water and be captivated by passing humpback and killer whales. The Brown Bear enjoys our home as much as we do and can be seen on local beaches.

Activity Highlights

GLACIER BAY NATIONAL PARK – Elfin Cove is right across from Glacier Bay National Park making it easy to spend the day taking in the park’s untouched natural scenery.  The park is an ideal location for hiking, kayaking, fishing and animal watching with the Fairweather mountain range providing a stunning natural backdrop.

GEORGE’S ISLAND – George’s Island is just a 20-minute boat ride from Elfin Cove.  The short trip often includes a bit of whale watching and the entertainment that comes with spotting other marine life along the way. Granite Cove is the landing site for the island and beach visitors can enjoy combing the shore for sea stars, sponges, anemones and other beautiful sea creatures during low tide.

HISTORIC PORT ALTHORP CANNERY SITE – Further inland, wild flowers and bright green moss surround the trails that lead to the historic Port Althorp Cannery site and World War II cannon emplacement that sits in its original location, still intact.

ELFIN COVE MUSEUM –  Wander among the preserved artifacts from this small villages’ past to see how past residents lived and thrived in a remote community.
Contact: Mary Jo Lord-Wild 907-239-2222 or 1-907-239-2226
Visit online at www.elfincovecommunity.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Elfincove

SHOPPING & DINING

Patti’s Smokehouse
Smoke your personal fish or purchase directly from Patti.
Available 10am – 9pm,
Please Knock
*Closed: Oct 1 – June 1*
Fish processing also available.

Coho’s Bar & Grill
Pizza, burgers, homemade soups, fantastic desserts, full bar.
Open Daily May – September, 8am – Midnight or later
elfincoho@aol.com
1-907-239-2246

Elfin Cove General Store
Find items from clothing to mustard, fishing tackle to pottery and photo postcards
Hours: 9am-7pm Monday-Saturday, closed Sundays
(907) 239-2236

Eagle Charter Gift Shop
Beautiful jewelry, clothing and hand-selected souvenirs.
www.eaglecharters.com/elfin
1-888-828-1970

GETTING THERE

Alaska Seaplanes Service provides service 3 times daily in summer and 1-2 times daily in winter. Charter service, weather permitting is also available.

WHERE TO STAY

Elfin Cove has several options for lodging available to visitors.  Contact each individual site for amenities and availability.

COMMUNITY SERVICES

Fuel Dock
Hours: Mon-Sat: 9am-12pm & 2pm-7pm, Sun: 2pm-7pm
*Winter Hours – Wednesday & Saturday 12-2pm

• Emergency Fuel Needs: $30 after hours charge may apply
• Available: Diesel, Gasoline, and Fresh Water Oil and filters
• Crab available seasonally, inquire at dock 907-239-2208

Post Office
Hours:
M-F 9am – 1pm & 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Sat 9am – 2pm
Sun: Closed

Community Shower and Laundry
Hours: April 15 – September 15: 9am – 10pm
*Closed daily 10am -11am for cleaning
Fishermen’s cabins for rent, Daily, Weekly, Monthly