Taku Inlet isn’t a highway or a harbor—it’s a threshold. Narrow, deep, and flanked by glacier-carved cliffs, this serpentine fjord unfurls southeast of Juneau, braiding off the Inside Passage like a quiet vein feeding something older than roads. This is where tides beat like a second heart. Where mist hangs low over the treetops and the past still clings to driftwood piers. For those willing to travel by water or wing, the ten secluded towns that lie in and around the Taku Inlet offer rare communion with Alaska’s elemental self.
Each place—whether ghost town or thriving hamlet—leans into isolation, shaped not by asphalt but by ice, tide, salmon runs, and seasonal rhythms. Hobart Bay folds into the folds of the forest. Taku Harbor whispers with the remnants of cannery life. Point Couverden, Excursion Inlet, and Funter Bay cling to the shoreline like secrets, reachable only by boat and known mostly to those who measure time in tides.
The Inlet itself is a corridor of weather and history, once plied by Tlingit canoes and steamships alike. Now it remains a hidden arm of the Inside Passage, bypassed by cruise lines, embraced by solitude. These are not just towns—they are outposts of quiet, of memory, of living slowly at the edge of water and wilderness. If Alaska is a vast silence, then the Taku Inlet is the breath between—where fog curls over the bow and time moves at the speed of the current.
10. Elfin Cove’s Hidden Harbor
Elfin Cove is a tiny community with a year-round population of around 20 residents, swelling slightly during the summer months. I love how this quaint village is built along wooden boardwalks perched over the water, giving it a timeless charm.
Fishing is the mainstay here, and the rich marine life makes it a haven for anglers and nature enthusiasts alike. The seclusion of Elfin Cove is accentuated by its boat-only access, preserving its untouched wilderness and quiet ambiance.
Walking through the village, I often feel like I’ve stepped back in time, surrounded by the pristine beauty of the Alaskan wilderness.
Where is Elfin Cove?
Elfin Cove is tucked away on the northwest corner of Chichagof Island, along the edge of the Gulf of Alaska. Its remote location is only reachable by boat or floatplane, which to me adds to its allure.
The absence of roads connecting it to larger towns means that the hustle of city life feels worlds away. Getting there involves a scenic journey through the Inside Passage, and it’s this isolation that keeps Elfin Cove a well-kept secret among those who seek solitude and a deep connection with nature.
9. The Gateway to Glacier Bay: Gustavus
Gustavus is a small town with approximately 450 residents, serving as the gateway to the majestic Glacier Bay National Park. I find that the town’s expansive meadows and snow-capped mountain views offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching.
Tourism and fishing are the primary industries, but despite the influx of visitors in summer, Gustavus retains a peaceful atmosphere. Its secluded nature comes from its remote location and limited access, providing a tranquil setting that’s perfect for unwinding.
Where is Gustavus?
Situated at the mouth of Glacier Bay in southeastern Alaska, Gustavus is accessible mainly by air or sea. The town is about 50 miles northwest of Juneau but feels incredibly remote due to its isolation from major road networks.
I usually take a small plane from Juneau, enjoying the stunning aerial views of mountains and glaciers. The limited transportation options and surrounding wilderness contribute to Gustavus’s secluded charm, making every visit feel like a true escape.
8. Hoonah’s Remote Charm
With a population of around 800, Hoonah is the largest Tlingit village in Alaska, rich in native culture and traditions. I appreciate how the community embraces its heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional dances, art, and storytelling.
Fishing and tourism are key industries, and the town’s deep connection to the land and sea is evident everywhere. Hoonah’s seclusion is due to its location on Chichagof Island and absence of connecting roads, preserving its quiet, small-town feel amidst breathtaking natural surroundings.
Where is Hoonah?
Hoonah lies on the northeast shore of Chichagof Island, across from the entrance to Glacier Bay. Accessible by ferry or plane, reaching Hoonah involves traversing the scenic waters of the Inside Passage.
I often find the journey itself to be part of the adventure, with chances to spot whales and eagles along the way. The town’s remote island location and limited accessibility make it a peaceful haven, far removed from the busier ports of Alaska.
7. Angoon: A Peaceful Native Village
Home to about 450 residents, Angoon is a serene Tlingit village that offers a deep dive into native Alaskan culture. The community revolves around subsistence fishing and crafting, and I enjoy the opportunity to learn about traditional ways of life.
There are no major industries here, which helps maintain its quiet and secluded atmosphere. Angoon’s location within the Tongass National Forest on Admiralty Island enhances its isolation, making it an ideal spot for those seeking peace and cultural enrichment.
Where is Angoon?
Nestled on the west side of Admiralty Island, Angoon is accessible primarily by boat or floatplane. The island is known as the “Fortress of the Bears” due to its high brown bear population, which adds to the wild and untouched feel of the area.
I find that the absence of roads and the surrounding dense forest contribute significantly to Angoon’s seclusion. Traveling there feels like entering a different world, one where nature and tradition are deeply intertwined.
6. The Tranquil Town of Tenakee Springs
Tenakee Springs, with its population of about 100, is a peaceful community famed for its natural hot springs located right in the center of town. I often indulge in a relaxing soak, which is a cherished tradition among locals.
The town has no cars, relying instead on foot and bike traffic along its single, picturesque main street. Fishing and small-scale tourism are the main activities, and the seclusion comes from its remote location and the emphasis on a slow-paced, community-oriented lifestyle.
Where is Tenakee Springs?
Located on the eastern shore of Chichagof Island, Tenakee Springs is accessible only by boat or floatplane. The town’s isolation is heightened by its position between larger cities, with miles of dense Tongass National Forest surrounding it.
I appreciate that getting there involves a scenic ferry ride through the Inside Passage, underscoring the remote and untouched nature of the area. The lack of roads and reliance on waterways make Tenakee Springs a true retreat from the modern world.
5. The Secluded Fishing Village of Excursion Inlet
Excursion Inlet has a tiny population that fluctuates seasonally, with less than 20 permanent residents. The village is known for its fish processing plant, which operates during the summer months and provides the main source of employment.
I find that the surrounding wilderness offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife observation. Excursion Inlet’s seclusion is a result of its remote location and limited access, preserving its pristine natural environment and quiet way of life.
Where is Excursion Inlet?
Situated west of Juneau across the Lynn Canal, Excursion Inlet is accessible only by boat or floatplane. The inlet is tucked away on the mainland, bordered by vast forests and rugged coastlines.
I enjoy the journey there, often spotting seals and sea lions en route. The lack of road connections and the encompassing wilderness enhance its seclusion, making it a hidden gem that’s off the beaten path.
4. Funter Bay’s Quiet Shores
Funter Bay is a small community with a handful of residents, offering a quiet escape on Admiralty Island. The area doesn’t have any major industries, which keeps the environment pristine and the atmosphere serene.
I love exploring the remnants of historical sites, including an abandoned cannery and World War II internment camp for Aleut people. Funter Bay’s seclusion is amplified by its remote location and the untouched wilderness that surrounds it, providing a peaceful retreat into nature.
Where is Funter Bay?
Located on the northern tip of Admiralty Island, Funter Bay is accessible by boat from Juneau. The bay is nestled amid dense forests and mountains, with no roads leading in or out.
I typically reach it via a leisurely boat ride, soaking in the scenic views along the way. The complete absence of roads and infrastructure makes Funter Bay one of the most secluded spots I’ve visited, where the only sounds are those of nature.
3. The Isolated Beauty of Point Couverden
Point Couverden is a sparsely populated area, with only a few residents living off the grid. The allure for me lies in its untouched natural landscapes, including dense forests and rocky shorelines ideal for kayaking and fishing.
There are no established industries, which helps maintain its pristine condition. The seclusion of Point Couverden comes from its remote location and the lack of development, offering an authentic wilderness experience.
Where is Point Couverden?
Situated on the mainland at the entrance to Lynn Canal, Point Couverden is accessible only by boat or floatplane. It’s positioned between Juneau and Haines but feels worlds away due to its isolation.
I enjoy the solitude here, with the surrounding waterways providing a peaceful barrier from the outside world. The remoteness and limited access make Point Couverden a perfect spot for those seeking an off-the-grid adventure.
2. The Remote Community of Hobart Bay
Hobart Bay is an almost deserted settlement, with a population that has dwindled to just a few caretakers. Once a thriving logging camp, the area is now enveloped by dense forests and teeming wildlife.
I find the quiet and abandonment intriguing, offering a unique glimpse into the past. There are no active industries currently, which enhances its secluded atmosphere. Hobart Bay’s remoteness and the encroaching wilderness make it a place where nature truly takes center stage.
Where is Hobart Bay?
Located on the mainland south of Juneau, Hobart Bay is accessible only by boat or plane. The surrounding Tongass National Forest isolates it from other communities.
Getting there involves navigating through narrow waterways, which I find both challenging and rewarding. The absence of roads and the dense forest barriers heighten its seclusion, making Hobart Bay a fascinating destination for the intrepid explorer.
1. The Abandoned Charm of Taku Harbor Ghost Town
Taku Harbor Ghost Town is an abandoned settlement that once buzzed with activity during the early 1900s. Walking among the decaying structures, I can’t help but feel a connection to the past. The remnants of the old cannery and sawmill are enveloped by wilderness, offering a hauntingly beautiful landscape.
There are no industries or residents today, which amplifies its secluded and historic charm. The harbor’s isolation allows visitors like me to step back in time and experience the quiet beauty of nature reclaiming human endeavours.
Where is Taku Harbor?
Situated about 22 miles southeast of Juneau on the eastern shore of Admiralty Island, Taku Harbor is accessible only by boat. The harbor lies within a protected cove, surrounded by dense rainforest and mountains.
I usually reach it via a boat trip from Juneau, enjoying the opportunity to spot whales and other marine life along the way. The lack of road access and the enveloping wilderness contribute to its status as a true ghost town, offering a secluded spot steeped in history and natural beauty.
