Thorne Bay, Alaska
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Incorporated 1982
Population: 557
City Hall: 907-828-3380
Settled on gentle sloping hills overlooking the bay for which it's named, Thorne Bay is an interesting community to visit. In 1981 Lt. Comdr. A. S. Snow named our bay after the superintendent of the Coast Guard and Geodetic Service, Franklin Manley Thorn. Mapmakers added an "e" and it became Thorne.
Once the world's largest logging camp, Thorne Bay had it's beginnings as a floating logging camp that worked in many bays in Southern Southeast Alaska. Homes were moved to the present site in 1961, after a long stay in Hollis. Historically the population has fluctuated with the job market.
There are three ways to reach Thorne Bay: by boat (via Clarence Strait), by floatplane, and on the road system that covers the Island. The road eventually follows the Thorne River, a world class steelhead and salmon river. When you arrive in town, stop at the first business you see to pick up a map created by the Thorne Bay Business Association to guide you.
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Thorne Bay is a full service community with all the amenities. Still linked closely to the logging industry of its beginnings, the town has diversified to include tourist opportunities and lodging for travelers. Visitors can rent a car, boat or go charter fishing. Across the bay is the south side subdivision of Thorne Bay. It is a short five minute hop by boat from the harbor or accessible by road. There are a number of lumber and cedar shake mills at the Goose Creek Industrial Area. Private homes have been built on many of the large lots in the subdivision. Some businesses are beginning to develop as more roads are opened up.
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Attractions on the Thorne River include the waterway for the Honker Divide Canoe Route and the site of a significant archeological find, the 5,360 year old Thorne River Basket. Petroglyphs can be viewed on a saltwater beach beyond the south end of Shoreline Drive. Many swimming enthusiasts love Sandy Beach, only 6 miles from Thorne Bay.
Written by The Thorne Bay Business Association
