Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travelers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Open for over 30 years, Waterfall Resort Alaska has established itself as the premier resort in Southeast Alaska. Located by Southeast Alaska's famous Inside Passage near Ketchikan, just a 90 minute flight from Seattle, Waterfall Resort provides the adventure of Alaskan sport-fishing together with the beauty of the surrounding Tongass National Forest. Originally built in 1912 on the island of Prince Wales, the historic Alaskan salmon cannery was renovated as our all-inclusive sport fishing lodge. Many of our guests return each year to enjoy our all inclusive Alaska vacation. You get comfortable accommodations, 3 delicious meals, plus the fishing experience of a lifetime. We only allow 4 guests to our 27 foot boats with an expert guide, professional gear, heated cabin, air suspension seats and private head. We provide the overalls, jackets and boots. We clean, cut, fast-freeze and box your fish plus check it through to Alaska Airlines via our on site rep. Everyone leaves with fish!
Places to stay are graded on a 0-100 scale. The higher the grade, the easier it is for travelers to find restaurants and things to do within walking distance.
This fishing experience is top-notch. From the coordination of actually getting you there to the fishing and staff, it is amazing.
Some of the best service from all staff- check in, restaurant, etc. there was not one moment that I did not feel well taken care of. The rooms are very nice, quality linens, and bedding. Food was very good. The camaraderie at the camp amongst staff and other guest was a very cool vibe.
We had a great Captain, Bill, who put us on fish all day long. When you returned to the dock, the staff taking the fish off the boat, weighing them, and taking care of things were again top-notch. Very friendly and efficient.
Where else can you fish and see eagles and whales all around you. An experience!!!!!
I can’t recommend this fishing resort enough. From the unique float plane ride to the resort, to the daily fishing, it was outstanding!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Overall fantastic experience with our corporate team. Staff very friendly and consistently looking for ways to make the experience memorable. Provided us with all the equipment we needed and processed and prepared our fish each day. Boat captain/guide knew where to find the fish and gave clear directions on how to catch them. He made it look easy. We limited out on silvers every day along with Kings, Ling Cod, halibut and Bass for the trip. I would highly recommend the Waterfall Resort.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled on business
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a 4 day 3 night fishing trip which included 2-1/2 days of fishing and 2 full days of fishing. (You fish 1/2 day on the day you arrive and the day you leave). Our room was #29. It was above the general store near the weather vane on the second floor. Room was clean, easy to get to, close to the dock, dining room and had everything you would ever want for a fishing trip. One thing if staying there again I would bring a power strip. That room has only two outlets, one in the bathroom and one in the room near the bed.
A float plane or boat is required to get to the resort. Sometimes a bus is used if weather is a problem. The good thing is you will get there one way or another which is sometimes not the case when travelling in Alaska.
Food was excellent in the dining room. Dinner & breakfast was really fantastic with lots of choices buffet style. Elk, deer and other seafood delicacies were on the dinner menu, and the preparation was what you would expect in a 5 star restaurant. Staff was welcoming, friendly, knowledgeable, and worked hard to make it a great trip!
The fishing is what brought us to Waterfall resort and it did not disappoint. Silver Salmon, King Salmon, Rock fish, Ling Cod and Halibut were available. My friend and I captured all of the above and the biggest ling cod I have seen in my life. The biggest that was caught at the lodge this year!
The catch was broken down into sized portions, vacuum sealed, labeled, and frozen then packed into waxed freeze boxes for the trip home. When I got home my fish was still frozen 11 hours after leaving Ketchikan.
A great trip! I would do it again in a heartbeat!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2022
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Aug 29, 2022
Thank you, Hawaiian Cowboy! Thanks for the wonderful detail. I believe a power strip would have been available if you request at the General Store. None-the-less, I'll pass along your suggestion. Congrats on the lingcod. Yes, it's great eating. In fact some compare it to lobster only with a milder cod taste. We look forward to sharing it all again with you. Our joy is in sharing the beauty and excitement of fishing Alaska with our guests and hopefully contributing to the great memories that Alaska gives. Thanks again!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Everything at the Waterfall Resort Alaska was perfect during our stay in June. The moment we arrived, we got our room keys while our bags were delivered to our rooms and were off fishing for the afternoon. Our next days included full days of fishing with our guide & captain, Sy, who put us on king salmon, halibut, lingcod and rockfish. Friday was raining and windy, but in spite of the weather, I caught my biggest king (26.8lbs) on the last drift of the day. Service was warm and efficient, dining was varied and great, and the handling of the processing and delivery of the fish by Alaska Airlines, who had a representative at the resort made it possible to pick up two boxes of filets sent as checked baggage. In short, we never had to hassle with the fish, and just picked up our catches at the baggage carousel upon arrival home. You won't find a better, seamless, and well managed operation in my opinion. And I fish a lot.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â Sy is a great guide and captain. If you have the opportunity, you will catch a lot of fish with...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Excellent service all the way around. Great food, comfortable accommodations and most importantly, great fishing. This fishing camp has multiple boats with captain guides who really know their stuff. The guides know the good fishing spots and work together so all guests have a good haul of fish. The camp is on Prince of Whales Island and the flight from Ketchikan on small plane is beautiful. Chance to see whales and other wildlife is exceptional. Last there, we saw breaching humpbacks, sea otters and sea lions. Go Alaska!
Read more
Date of stay: August 2024
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Trip type: Traveled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Aug 20, 2024
Thanks a ton for this fantastic review! We're thrilled you had a reel-y great time with us. Our guides sure know how to hook you up with the best spots, and we're glad you got to enjoy all the creature comforts too. Sounds like you really caught the Alaska magic with all that wildlife! We can’t wait to have you back for another whale of a time at Waterfall!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The staff here is incredible. From the moment you arrive at the resort until the moment you leave, everything is well orchestrated and the entire staff is pleasant and accommodating. This is the 4th time I have been at this resort and each time, I feel it gets better. Like the WIFI was incredible this year everywhere..an incredible improvement. The food (which a minimal others have complained about in these reviews) was even better again this year. The chef stands out at the buffet, and pridefully showcases his food for comment. I heard nothing but great things each day from everyone. Not sure if people expect Jose Andres to be the chef here. And even if he were, I am sure most people would not like that food and prefer what they are offering now which is delicious.
The guides were incredible. They really want you to catch as much fish as possible. Moving around to make sure you have bait and its in the water while 3 others are landing fish. Like an orchestra leader.
Ron the bartender continues to be awesome. While we play out poker, he has a full bar, and yet he comes checks on us for drinks to make sure we are all set.
I think this resort is great. And anyone who wants to have an incredible experience (weather permitting) will do so and want to come back.
Read more
Date of stay: August 2023Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Aug 21, 2023
Wow! Thank you 423bgb. We do our very best to add to the great memories that Alaska so readily provides. Our crew genuinely loves Alaska, too, and so many return each year because of great guests like you and making new friends. It's fun to watch people experience their first king or celebrate their 10th after a number of years! Thank you for allowing us to share it all with you, including the food. We appreciate your special comments about that, too. Here's to many more years of sharing it with you!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
This place was better than all the reviews. All we did was be greeted by friendly staff , caught tons and tons of fish and the overall experience was sensational! from the second you land by float plane to the second you leave your not fishing your catching! fish after fish after fish. Big shout out to Big John aka otis.. What a fantastic captain he literally was an expert knew every waterway every type of fish and was just so patient. All he cared about was that our rods were in the water and we were fishing. We maxed out on Salmon every day and bought two Halibut tags both filled! The gear was great the boat was very comfortable. Besides fish the wild life was amazing. Whales, otters, bears, Eagles you name it. If you are planning a fishing trip I would book it here you wont be disappointed. We were a party of 8 ,4 on each boat and all went smoothly. Came back with 100s of pounds of filet fish cooking it daily! they literally do it all for you...
Thank you to the staff we will be coming back at a later date..
Read more
Date of stay: July 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
Room Tip:Â weak wifi but isnt that why we go anyway? to get away from it all.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Jul 17, 2023
Thank you so much for that great review and detail! It's fun for us to share Alaska with our guests. It's why so may of our crew return each year. We truly take it seriously as well as have fun. So glad you maxed out on limits and are enjoying the wild caught deliciousness back home. We are definitely looking forward to another year of sharing it all with you again!
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Went in June 2023, the experience was great. I never flew in a float plane before. Upon arrival we were greeted and got geared up to fish with our boots and fowl weather gear. Our Capt Tony is the best. Put on on fish the first day until the last. We caught our limit every day except one we did not get two red fish, only one. He coached us how to let the line down slow so we would not tangle up the line. Told us how to reel not to slow and let the fish eat the bait and not set the hook. 2 days we finished securing catch early. This is by far the best fishing trip I have every had. The food in the dining room was excellent. Filet mignon, duck, venison, dungeonus crabs, and halibut were part of the menu items served at night. The wait staff were very attentive to our needs. The staff in the general store were helpful as well. We saw eagles, otters, walrus, killer whales and humpback whales on our way to the fishing areas. What beatiful views to see on the way to our fishing spots. The fish cutters were all skillful in their craft. Helping us get our fish up for photos. The processing of the catch and seperating for each fisherman is truly another outstanding operation. The walk to the falls is over the mile that is qouted when you ask how far it is. Will be returning next year.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Jul 5, 2023
Thank you, William, for taking the time to add detail. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us. Alaska truly is "magical," as another guest recently put it, and we so enjoy sharing that magic with our guests. We do our best to add to the great memories that Alaska gives so easily. How could we possibly do less?! Thanks again, and we look forward to sharing more of it again next year with you.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The Waterfall Resort on Prince of Wales Island has it all together. All we needed to do was show up with our clothes. They provided everything else including wet weather and fishing gear. The cabins are very comfortable and conveniently located to the dock and other locations on the property. For a first time Salmon fishing trip it could not have been better. Our guide is a third-generation fishing boat captain with incredible knowledge of all the aspects of Salmon fishing. We caught our limits of Salmon, Halibut and Rock Fish on most days and had time to go whale watching on the day we caught our limits before Noon. The breakfasts and dinners provided were excellent and plentiful and the Lagoon Saloon, conveniently located on the way to the dining hall, was a fun place to unwind before dinner after ten hours on the water.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2022
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â The Boardwalk cabins are located next to the boat dock.
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Jul 15, 2022
Thank you! We truly appreciate you taking the time to leave a review., and Wow! We enjoy sharing the beauty and excitement of Alaska with our guests. And to share it all with a first-timer makes it that much more special. Watching whales is icing on the cake along with the bald eagles and all the surrounding beauty. Alaska deserves much of the credit. We simply do our very best to provide the service that lives up to what Alaska shares. Thanks again.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
The ultimate Alaska fishing experience. An incredible setting, great service including terrific guides who work hard to insure that you go home with fish. It is pricey but if you are looking for a one of a kind fishing adventure Waterfall is worth the cost.
Read more
Date of stay: June 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Traveled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Robin Eschler, Marketing at Waterfall Resort Alaska
Responded Jun 22, 2023
We are thrilled that you enjoyed your stay with us to the degree of calling it "ultimate!" Yes, Alaska is an experience of a lifetime not to be forgotten soon, and we do our best to assure that everything is thought of and that we add to that great experience. Fishing is a big part of the memories, not to mention the wild caught delicious bounty taken home. Thanks again, and we look forward to sharing it all with you again.
Read more
Report response as inappropriate
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
There are more places to choose from in the Ketchikan area.
PRICE RANGE
$1,505 - $1,505 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
waterfall hotel ketchikan
LOCATION
United StatesAlaskaKetchikan
NUMBER OF ROOMS
44
Prices are the average nightly price provided by our partners and may not include all taxes and fees. Taxes and fees that are shown are estimates only. Please see our partners for more details.
Is This Your Tripadvisor Listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.