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Thorne Bay is a small community of about 500 people located on the eastern shore of Prince of Wales Island adjacent to Clarence Strait. The town was originally formed as a logging camp. Today, the community has diversified in the economy and now also supports recreation-related tourism within the Tongass National Forest including sport fishing and wildlife viewing.
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General Area Overview and Information Sources:
- Prince of Wales Chamber of Commerce
- Town website
- Thorne Bay Medical Clinic 877-755-4800
- U. S. Forest Service: The Thorne Bay Ranger District covers the northern half of Prince of Wales Island and contains unique cave systems and karst geology. Located at: 1312 Federal Way Thorne Bay AK., 99919; 907-828-3304
- USFS Roads: Map of Thorne Bay
Birding and Wildlife Resources:
- Thorne Bay Birding Checklist
- eBird Region: Prince of Wales-Outer Ketchikan
Birding Trail Map for Thorne Bay (click on site names for details).
Sites in Thorne Bay
Rio Beaver
Walk through an old-growth forest of Sitka Spruce.
Sandy Beach
Camping sites and other facilities nearby.
Thorne River Estuary
A good spot to see shorebirds and waterfowl.
Birding Photo: Ben Sullender
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