Karta River Wilderness, Protected wilderness area on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska.
Karta River Wilderness is a protected natural area on Prince of Wales Island where multiple waterways and lakes wind through old-growth forests. The landscape combines coastal features with inland valleys and forest zones that support diverse plant and animal life.
Haida communities developed settlements around Karta Bay, establishing themselves as skilled users of salmon runs and forest resources. The area reflects a long history of Indigenous presence and resource management in Southeast Alaska.
The river remains a place where fishing communities practice time-honored methods of preparing salmon for food and trade. The way people use these waterways reflects practices passed down through generations in this region.
Access to the wilderness requires a float plane or boat, as there are no roads into the area. Three rental cabins operated by the Forest Service offer shelter with basic heating for visitors spending time in this remote location.
Five Pacific salmon species return annually to spawn in these waters, drawing bears and wolves to the region for seasonal hunting. This concentration of predators and prey in one remote location creates rare wildlife viewing opportunities for those willing to venture into the backcountry.
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