Passages Alaska is just a flight away.  One of the misconceptions is that Alaska is “so far.”  Prince of Wales Island, where Passages Alaska is located is a short flight from Seattle. Prince of Wales Island is a southern location in terms of Alaska, therefore, also allowing for warmer weather patterns year-round.  There are three ways on and off the island so there is always a way to get to and from.

It is less than a two-hour flight from Seattle to Ketchikan.  The Ketchikan airport is small and so easy to navigate.  Island Air Express is a charter airline that flies right into Klawock, Prince of Wales Island, which is the home base for the program.  It is located 30 feet from the baggage claim area of the airlines coming in from Seattle.  It is a five-minute walk from picking up a bag to getting on the plane to the island.

The other two ways of connecting with the island are the charter float plane or the large island ferry.  The float plane is a scenic way to travel, as it flies a route that is directly over the beautiful islands and ocean.  The ferry is the most scenic and dependable way on and off the island.  It is an amazing three-hour float on the water way.  It is a large ship that has a cafeteria, a seating area including booth and individual seating, a cafeteria and a car/truck parking area below. 

The travel to the operating area is not complicated nor long.  Once on the island the students are fitted with top-of-the-line gear.  They are welcomed as part of the team and it’s a short, beautiful boat ride to join the group.  All in all, it’s a smooth trip from wherever the person is coming to Seattle, Ketchikan and to the group.  The timing is similar to traveling to a program in the contiguous US, but Instead of driving out to the “field” from the airport there is a short flight and a boat ride.

For more information about Passages Alaska or the adventure high school Skookum House contact Sean Tomkinson, LCSW, owner + operator at Seant@passagesalaska.com or visit passagesalaska.com/

About Passages Alaska and Skookum House 

Passages Alaska is a unique wilderness therapy program in Southeast Alaska serving adolescent males and young adults aged 18-28 in gender-specific groups. As participants come into the Alaskan Wilderness the coastal waters offer a fresh perspective and a new path. Hands-on therapeutic interventions include paddling, whale watching, fishing, primitive skill building and service to others. Extensive therapy and coaching is built in for those with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and failure to thrive.

Skookum House is an adventure high school with educational support designed to keep students engaged, active, and progressing toward graduation. Skookum House is for high school boys who have not been able to thrive at home or in a virtual school environment. Students may choose to use their home high school platform or another virtual platform. While living at SH, students will benefit from a more normalized social life, participate in outdoor Alaskan adventures while learning unique, confidence-building skills, and gain a respect for serving others.