Kake Airport

Kake Airport sits on a narrow strip of land along the northwest coast of Kupreanof Island, serving the Tlingit community of Kake with a single 3,000-foot asphalt runway. This airport is one of the few ways to reach a town that is completely surrounded by the Tongass National Forest and accessible only by air or sea. While it handles no scheduled commercial airlines, the facility supports charter flights, medevac operations, and private general aviation traffic that connects Kake to larger hubs like Juneau and Wrangell. The airport is owned by the Alaska Department of Transportation and operates under the IATA code AFE. Its location at the edge of the island gives passengers arriving by small plane a dramatic view of the surrounding waterways and dense evergreen forest. For those flying into Kake, this airport represents the first and often only impression of a remote Alaskan community shaped by its isolation and its rich native heritage.

Getting to Kake Airport requires planning, as Kake itself is not connected by road to any other town. The airport is located about 1.5 miles south of the town center, a short drive along Kake Road. Most visitors flying in will arrive via charter flight from Juneau (about 45 minutes) or Wrangell (about 20 minutes). Upon landing, there is no public transportation directly from the airport; visitors typically arrange a pickup with their lodging or use a taxi service that operates on an on-call basis. Driving to the airport from town takes about five minutes. For those who have their own vehicle, the airport offers a wheelchair-accessible car park near the runway, though parking is limited to a small gravel lot. Walking from town to the airport is possible but not recommended, as the road lacks sidewalks and can be busy with logging trucks.

Inside the terminal, passengers will find a facility that reflects the airport's low-traffic nature. There is no dedicated terminal building; the airport consists of a small shelter with basic amenities – a waiting area with a few benches and a windsock to indicate runway conditions. The wheelchair-accessible car park is the only confirmed facility, so passengers requiring assistance should notify their charter operator in advance. Security is minimal, as flights are almost exclusively private or charter. The atmosphere is quiet and utilitarian, with the sounds of wind and aircraft engines often drowning out conversation. On arrival, passengers walk directly from the aircraft to the parking area – there are no jet bridges or conveyor belts. Departing passengers should check in with the pilot directly, as there is no ticket counter. The busiest times reported are Monday at 5 am, Tuesday at 9 am, Wednesday at 2 pm, and Thursday at 10 am, though these times likely reflect the schedules of local fishing charters or commuter flights. Be prepared for weather delays: fog and low clouds can ground flights unexpectedly, especially in summer.

Kake is a community of approximately 550 people, predominantly Tlingit, and offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life that has endured along the Inside Passage for centuries. The name Kake comes from the Tlingit word "Keix'" meaning "daylight" or "clearing after a storm." The town is built around the fishing industry – salmon, halibut, and crab support the local economy and provide a draw for sport fishermen from around the world. Visitors come to Kake for its remote beauty: the surrounding waters are teeming with wildlife including humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles. The Tongass National Forest offers hiking trails, kayaking routes, and opportunities to see ancient petroglyphs at nearby sites. Culturally, Kake is home to the Kake Tlingit Clan, and the community maintains strong traditions in carving, weaving, and storytelling. The Kake Tribal Heritage Center provides insights into the culture, but it operates seasonally. The town itself is small, with a store, post office, and a few lodges. While Kake is not a major tourist destination, it attracts travelers seeking authentic experiences away from the cruise ship crowds. The airport serves as the primary link for residents to the outside world, providing access to groceries, medical care, and supplies from larger towns. For those flying in, the airport is the start of an adventure into one of Alaska's most intact wilderness and cultural landscapes.

Practical information for Kake Airport: The airport does not have a fixed operating schedule; it is open during daylight hours and when aircraft are scheduled. Contact the Alaska DOT at (907) 465-2171 for current conditions. There is no on-site fuel station for aircraft, so pilots must make arrangements in advance. No dining, restrooms, or luggage storage is available. The nearest services are in Kake town, a five-minute drive away. The airport code for booking is AFE. One concrete piece of advice: always confirm your flight with the charter operator the day before, as weather can change plans rapidly, and the airport has no staff to provide updates.