We Skiffed Into a Hidden Off-Grid Alaska Village in Winter

We headed out by skiff from Port Protection to Point Baker on the north end of Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska after hearing we might be able to find supplies for a foundation repair project. What started as a simple winter supply run turned into a full glimpse into life in one of Alaska’s remote off-grid communities. Fresh snow covered everything, Veronica guided us through the narrow “gut” channels, and we got to see cabins, backwater routes, mail pickup, local ingenuity, and the kind of problem-solving that defines everyday life out here. One of the things this trip really shows is how small remote communities in Alaska come together to support each other. In a single afternoon we were helped by one neighbor who gave us a ride through the gut channels, visited another couple who ended up giving us the timbers we needed, helped them remove a fallen tree from their sawmill shed, and then picked up mail for two different community members on our way back. What started as a simple errand to find a few posts for another neighbor turned into a chain of people helping people across two tiny communities. That’s just how life works out here. Along the way we visited friends, looked for timbers and posts, checked out storm damage, helped with hazard tree removal, explored town, and got another reminder that in remote Alaska, every errand can turn into an adventure. This is winter life in Southeast Alaska on the skiff, in the communities, and out beyond the road system. If you enjoy real remote Alaska living, sailboat life, off-grid communities, skiff travel, and everyday adventure, subscribe and come along with us aboard Alaskan Gypsy. Chapters 00:00 Winter wonderland on Prince of Wales 00:17 Why we’re heading to Point Baker 01:53 Point Baker and Port Protection 02:01 Running the narrow gut channels 02:29 First time exploring the back channels 03:01 Life in an off-grid Alaska community 03:19 Arriving at Jerry and Dolores’ place 03:23 Looking for posts for Liz’s foundation repair 04:04 Back out toward Sumner Strait 04:44 Tight skiff approach through the rocks 06:16 Checking storm and foundation damage 07:18 Lumber, tides, and building life out here 08:53 Timber framing, posts, and practical solutions 10:09 Dreaming about Point Baker property 10:43 Tree on the roof 11:24 More remote Alaska hazard tree removal 12:40 Scott’s apology to the tree experts on YouTube 13:00 Improvising the plan 15:18 Time to start moving the tree 20:24 Slippery roof and careful footing 22:29 Finally getting movement 24:40 The tree starts coming free 27:06 Ada gets in on the action 29:02 Leaving for town 31:24 Mail run and exploring Point Baker 32:16 Library, packages, and community spaces 33:05 The over-the-ocean toilet 34:09 Walking through town 36:45 Could we bring Gypsy here someday? 37:46 A rainbow over Point Baker 43:06 Heading back home