Aerial view · USGS
Silver Salmon Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
3D terrainAbout Silver Salmon Falls
Silver Salmon Falls is a small, little-documented waterfall in the Staney Creek drainage of Prince of Wales Island, in Tongass National Forest. The area is reached on the island's Forest Service road network. No maintained trail to the falls is documented, so check with the Tongass National Forest before going.
The Setting
Silver Salmon Falls sits at 85 feet within Tongass National Forest, in the coastal lowlands of Alaska.
Trail & Hike Details
USFS Trail
STANEY 2050402 ROAD #542050402
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
USFS Segment
0.84 miFrequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Silver Salmon Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Dogs are allowed on Tongass National Forest land; keep them under control in bear country.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fees are required
Permit required
A permit is required to access Katmai National Park. Visitors must also attend a mandatory bear safety orientation upon arrival at Brooks Camp.
🏊 Is There Swimming at Silver Salmon Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Summer and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Tongass National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
Water temperature is currently 44°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
This is bear country; make noise and carry bear protection, especially near streams during salmon runs.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Staney C, 0.9 miles away, not on Silver Salmon Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
471 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 37 years of record
8.57 ft
Water depth at gauge
44°F
Very coldExpect numbness within minutes
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is very cold at 44 degrees F, expect numbness within minutes.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge STANEY C NR KLAWOCK AK (1 km away).
Today
Moderate
509 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Moderate
605 cfs
5/10Sat
Moderate
326 cfs
8/10Sun
Moderate
360 cfs
8/10Mon
Moderate
286 cfs
8/10Tue
Moderate
309 cfs
8/10Wed
Moderate
219 cfs
8/10Best window: Sat — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 8/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early October to early November, peaking in October.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Naukati Bay hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain Around Silver Salmon Falls
High-resolution lidar hasn't been flown here yet, so this is the aerial view of the ground around the falls. Open the 3D view to tilt and spin the landscape.
The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
The falls are in the Staney Creek area of Prince of Wales Island, reached on Forest Service roads. Road conditions vary; washouts and slides occur, so check road status with the Tongass National Forest before driving.
Get Directions on Google MapsElevation
85 feet above sea level
Coordinates
55.791389° N, -133.094722° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Carry a Forest Service road map of Prince of Wales Island and check road conditions before driving.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
STANEY CREEK CABIN
3 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Staney Creek Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site can be accessed by vehicle and a half-mile hike, boat or by float plane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation
Book on Recreation.govNearby Hot Springs
Hot springs near Klawock, Alaska
Looking for a soak after your hike? Explore more hot springs near Klawock, Alaska on SoakingSprings.
Explore Alaska springsAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Staney Creek Cabin, a Forest Service rental cabin reached by vehicle plus a half-mile hike, by boat or by float plane.
Wildlife
Staney Creek supports cutthroat and rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead and four species of salmon.
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