Elfin Cove

Elfin Cove - photo courtesy of Sandy Craig, Icy Strait
Adventures. (See listing below)

About Elfin Cove: This incredibly picturesque small community (about 30 persons, not certified) lies on the northern shore of Chichagof Island, about 70 miles by air and 85 miles by boat west of Juneau. It also lies 33 miles west of Hoonah. The community is accessible only by small seaplane or boat. Shaped like a flask, the harbor there was orginally called "Gunkhole" but was changed to its present moniker when Ernie and Ruth Swanson built a store, restaurant, and dock at the site in the 1920s. Ruth applied for a Post Office there in 1935 and it was she who came up with the gentler name. In the 1940s fish buyer John Lowell arrived and constructed an additional dock plus a warehouse, store, and restaurant.

Tlingit Natives would come to the area in summer but would not stay for winter. The place, they felt, was infested with "evil spirits."

The town remains ocean- and fishing-oriented, with most residents engaged in commercial fishing, sport fish guiding, and charter services. Summer lodges and local retail establishments also provide seasonal employment. State ferry service is provided at nearby Pelican. Freight arrives by air.

Hobbit Hole Guesthouse and Charters

Innkeepers: Jane Button and Greg Howe
P.O. Box 9, Inian Islands
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Physical address: Inian Islands
Telephone: 907-723-8514
Fax:
Email: Info AT Alaska-HobbitHole.com
Website: www.Alaska-Hobbithole.com
Amenities: Also rents kayaks.
Rates: $300 per nite (Sleeps 4)
Number of units: 1 cabin

Icy Strait Adventures (Cabin Rental)

Innkeeper: Sandy Craig
Box 13 (Summer)
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Physical address: Inner Harbor, Elfin Cove
Telephone: Summer 907-239-2255; winter 808-937-3951
Fax:
Email: Icystraitadventures AT gmail.com
Website: www.icystraitadventures.com
Amenities: At the end of an adventurous day, you can relax on the deck of your comfortable rustic, beachfront cabin. The cabin sleeps four and is equipped with kitchenette, barbecue, kitchen supplies, bedding, shower, towels, and a variety of games and books. Should you wish to dine out, you can join the company of locals at the café and bar. Groceries and spirits are available locally, including fresh-caught crab and salmon.
Rates: $150 per night
Number of units: 1

Cross Sound Marketing (Cabin Rentals)

Innkeeper: Cross Sound Marketing
Address:P.O. Box 9, Inian Islands
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Physical address:
Telephone: 907-723-8514
Fax:
Email: Info AT Alaska-HobbitHole.com
Website: www.FairweatherFish.com
Amenities:
Rates: $100 to $175 a day; varies with length of stay
Number of units: 3

Coho Bar & Grill / Room Rental

Innkeeper: Shirley Perkins
Address:
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Physical address:
Telephone: 907-239-2246
Fax:
Email:
Website:
Amenities: Bar and restaurant on site.
Rates:
Number of units:

South Passage Cabins

Innkeeper: Dennis Montgomery
Address:
Elfin Cove, AK 99825
Physical Address:
Telephone: 907-723-4561
Fax:
Email: Dennis AT Icystrait.com
Website:
Amenities:
Rates:
Number of units: