PASSAGE
ISLAND AND COAL COVE
Seldovia, Alaska
PRIVATE SALE
44.5± High Tide Acres
80± Acres
CO2E EQUIVALENT = 43.3 METRIC TONS STORED CARBON PER ACRE AT 25MBF PER ACRE
INTRODUCTION
Nestled in the pristine waters of Alaska’s Cook Inlet, Passage Island and Coal Cove offer breathtaking scenery, rich history, and an exclusive opportunity for off-grid living, recreation, and conservation.
Passage Island, located 22± nautical miles southwest of Homer Spit, encompasses approximately 44.5± acres with nearly 7,000 feet of water frontage and is surrounded by the protected waters of Port Graham. Its rugged coastline features easily accessible pebble beaches, striking rock formations, and hidden sea caves, while deep water moorage potential enhances its value. A paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, the island offers world-class fishing for salmon, halibut, rockfish, and lingcod, along with opportunities for hiking, beachcombing, and enjoying panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding waters and mountains. Spruce trees populate 95% of the island and are estimated to be 350± years old. The estimated timber volume is approximately 15-25 thousand board feet (MBF) per acre. At low tide, the water depth on the east and west sides ranges between 70 and 100 feet, just 150 to 200 feet from shore. It is accessible by floatplane, boat, or helicopter at low tide, providing a secluded retreat surrounded by the protected waters of Port Graham.
Coal Cove, located 20± nautical miles southwest of Homer Spit, lies on the mainland just north of Passage Island. Spanning approximately 80± acres with nearly 1,500 feet of linear water frontage, this private holding is characterized by a dramatic landscape of towering spruce trees, estimated to be over 350 years old, and an elevated terrain that rises from the beach to 120 feet at Coal Cove Point. Like Passage Island, it offers exceptional opportunities for timber investment, private ownership, or the development of a secluded off-grid retreat. Historically, Passage Island was named in 1786 by Captain Portlock, who mistakenly believed it marked the entrance to a navigable strait. In the early 1900s, John Herbert established a fox farm on the island, later transitioning it into a mink ranch before its eventual closure, after which the island remained largely untouched.
Today, both Passage Island and Coal Cove present a unique opportunity to own a pristine piece of Alaska’s rugged wilderness. Build an off-grid home, lodge, or family retreat, and wake up to the picturesque mountain views while whales, otters, and eagles visit you at your doorstep.
1 Property Name | City, State
QUICK FACTS
• 44.5± Acres - Passage Island
• 80± Acres - Coal Cove
• 7,000± feet water frontage - Island
• 1,500± feet water frontage - Cook Inlet
• Spruce trees, 15-25 MBF per acre, 350+ years old
• Short distance to Seldovia and Homer
• World-class fishing
• Free energy from coal washing ashore
• Harvest local clams, chitons, and fish
• 360-degree panoramic views
• Whale watching: orcas, beluga, humpback, & minkie
• At low tide, deep water on the west and east side of the island runs 70-100 feet deep
• Abundant wildlife surrounds the island
• No zoning
Passage Island Coal Cove
Passage Island
• 44.5± acres
At low tide, a large spit extends south nearly to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) navigation marker and is predominantly small gravel. At low tide, Passage Island is closer to 58 acres.
ACREAGE
• 80± acres
Coal Cove has a long, sweeping beachfront with relatively shallow water extending out at high tide. Depending on weather conditions, it is possible to anchor off in Coal Cove. 5 Property Name | City, State
Coal Cove
TIMBERLAND
Co2e Equivalent = 43.3 metrick tons stored carbon per acre at 25MBF per acre
Passage Island
• 40± Acres
Bore samples taken from the spruce trees indicate they are 350± years old. The trees inward of 100± feet of the perimeter are 90-100 feet tall with an estimated average diameter at breast height (DBH) of 22 inches. The estimated volume is approximately 1525 thousand board feet (MBF) per acre.
Coal Cove
• 80± acres
The trees appear to be old-growth spruce, likely Sitka Spruce. There is canopy closure on 80% of the acres. The estimated volume is approximately 20-30 thousand board feet (MBF) per wooded acre. Bore samples were not taken at Coal Cove.
All Timber rights appurtenant owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing.
SCENIC VISTAS
See breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains, glaciers, rugged shorelines, waterfalls, spruce trees, and abundant wildlife. On a clear day, you can see four volcanoes, including St. Augustine, Redoubt, Iliamna, and Duncan.
AREA HISTORY
Captain Portlock named Passage Island in 1786 because the island was at the entrance of what was mistakenly thought to be a “strait (Port Graham) leading out to sea.”
Around 1910 a fox farm was established by John Herbert on Passage Island. He built a pen and little houses, and the foxes ran loose around the island until they were ready to give birth.
Residents of Port Graham worked for the fox farm, harvesting local fish and marine mammals for feed. They cooked the feed in a fifty-gallon drum that was cut in half and assisted in caring for the animals.
By 1919 the stock consisted of 25 pairs which produced about 100 pups. Unfortunately, about 80% resulted in losses as eagles flew down and carried them away. John Herbert soon retired, and a man started a mink ranch on the island. He had the same helpers who helped at the fox farm skinning the mink for fur.
The mink feasted on clams and chitons and sold for about eight dollars per pelt. When the owner and his family closed the ranch, they sold off practically everything. Since then, the island has been virtually untouched.
Photo credit: John Herbert
• Hunting & Fishing
• Hiking
• Kayaking
• Camping
• Beachcombing
• Scuba Diving
• Whales: Orca’s, Humpback, Beluga, and Minkie
• Sea Otters
• Waterfowl
• Seals
• Eagles
FISHING
• King Salmon
• Silver Salmon
• Sockeye Salmon
• Pink Salmon
• Halibut
• Lingcod
• Pacific Cod
• Rockfish
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES
Nearby Seldovia is a small coastal community known to the locals as the “City of Secluded Charm.” Retaining much of its character, Seldovia is one of the most unspoiled places in the world. This quaint town is compact and easy to get around in a small amount of time. Take a stroll down the boardwalk and visit the many shops and restaurants or get off the main drag and hike the Otter-Bahn trail through the old-growth forest.
Across the bay from Seldovia is Homer, the “Halibut Capital of the World.” A four-and-a-half-mile spit surrounded by miles of beaches and glacier-studded mountains. Known for its fishing and local art, any time of year is a wonderful time to visit Homer.
Find everything from deep-sea fishing to dog sled racing to locally grown food at the farmer’s market. Pay a visit to the iconic Salty Dawg Saloon and join the tradition of tacking a dollar bill to the wall, or board a scenic flight to Katmai National Park and watch bears catching salmon out of the water. With endless activities, these two towns are only a boat ride away, so you will never be bored.
Homer, Alaska
Boardwalk in Homer, Alaska
INCOME OPPORTUNITY
Passage Island and Coal Cove have multiple income opportunities: lodge, spike camps, timber harvest, eco-tourism, fishing base, and hunting base. 17 Property Name | City, State
CLIMATE
Seldovia is warmer than most places in Alaska averaging 134 days of sunshine annually. June-August are the most pleasant months, with temperatures reaching the mid-80s. Winters can be cold, averaging 74 inches of snow and 44 inches of rain annually. Climate charts courtesy of Climate data courtesy of http://www.city-data.com/city/Seldovia-Alaska.html
LOCATION
Passage Island is located at the entrance of Port Graham on the southwest side of the Kenai Peninsula. The island is 8 miles southwest of Seldovia, Chugach Mountains, and 22 nautical miles southwest of the Homer Spit.
Coal Cove is 20 miles on the south side of Cook Inlet, just outside of Kachamek Bay, north and east of Passage Island approximately three miles.
AIRPORT SERVICES
Anchorage International Airport is approximately 117 miles northeast of Homer.
Seldovia airport has a 1,845-foot long and 60-foot wide gravel airstrip.
Homer has a 6,70-foot by 150-foot asphalt airstrip with commercial service with Ravn Air. It also has a nearby facility for floatplanes on Beluga Lake.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
GETTING THERE
From Anchorage, drive approximately 117 miles southwest as the crow flies to Homer. Charter a boat or bring your own and cruise 22 nautical miles southwest to the island. A 28-foot offshore with twin 300s will get you there in well under an hour.
Charter a boat from Homer using Coastal Charter 907.299.2346 and ask for Captain Patrick, and he will get you there in about an hour.
Beluga Lake is a float plane lake in Homer, and it is about a 10-minute flight to the island.
Helicopter charters can get you to the island in about 15 minutes, but it’s recommended to access at low tide.
There is also a Ferry twice daily from Homer to Seldovia and then a short boat ride from Seldovia to Passage Island.
WATER RIGHTS
No DNR granted water rights exist for either parcel. There could possibly be a fresh water source on the island from the spring located on the south side of the island. Coal Cove enjoys modest topography and may contain fresh water sources with springs or surface water.
MINERAL RIGHTS
All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the seller will convey to the buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP
Each of us at Fay loves the land and wants to see it remain a productive agricultural ground and a quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting thoughtful land stewardship, Fay has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide-open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitats, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, our clients’ conservation ethics and land-use practices have significantly enhanced our work landscape. 25 Property Name | City, State
Coal Cove
PRICE
CONTACT
This is an exclusive co-listing with Fay Ranches, Inc and Alaska Top Shelf Realty. Please contact Troy Dana at (360) 402-5500 | tdana@fayranches. com or Yvan Corbin at (907) 301-0875 | yvan@alaskatopshelfrealty.com
to schedule a showing. An agent from Fay Ranches or Alaska Top Shelf Realty must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www. fayranches.com .
NOTICE PRIVATE SALE
TERMS
Cashor other terms acceptable by the seller.
Seller financing available to qualified buyers:
• Interest rate 4%
• Down payment 25%
• Amortization 25 years with 10 year call
Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction.
www.fayranches.com | 800.238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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