Prince of Wales is the third largest island in the United States after Kodiak Island and the Big Island of Hawaii. The island looks large enough to support thriving cities but actually populates small towns and villages across the 135-miles long and 45-miles wide island.

Prince of Wales in noted for extensive limestone cave systems. El Capitan Cave (3.5 hour drive north from Hollis) is the largest known cave in Alaska and the first cave in Southeast Alaska where large fossil brown and black bear bones were discovered, dating back 10,000 to 12,000 years. There is a steep trail (more than 365 steps) leading to the cave entrance. Because of damage to cave formations, a gate has been installed to regulate visitation. There is open visitation to the gate some distance within the cave. Tours are provided for visitors by Tongass National Forest. Contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at (907) 828-3304 for information and reservations.