Phocena Bay Cabin

About

Phocena Bay Cabin is a remote USFS rental cabin located on the west side of Gravina Island in the Tongass National Forest, approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles from Ketchikan. Originally constructed in 1973 and moved to its current location in 1985, this rustic 12x14-ft Pan-Abode log cabin sleeps six people with two single bunks and two double bunks. The cabin is equipped with a wood stove for heating, a cooking counter, table and benches, food storage, and basic tools including a splitting maul and broom. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing, potable water, or cell phone coverage. Visitors must bring their own drinking water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire starter, and rain gear. Firewood availability cannot be guaranteed, so bringing your own is recommended. An outhouse is provided. The cabin deck offers spectacular views of Chapin Peak and the Puppet Mountains. Gravina Island supports populations of Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, black bear, marten, mink, and beaver. Bald eagles nest in the area, and visitors may spot humpback and killer whales in Clarence Strait. The surrounding area provides easy hiking to explore tide pools and rainforest, while kayaking and saltwater fishing for halibut, salmon, ling cod, and red snapper are popular activities outside the bay.

Directions

Approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles from Ketchikan on the south shore of Phocena Bay on the west side of Gravina Island. Accessible only by floatplane or boat. Consult local tide tables before departing as a large tide flat appears in front of the cabin at low tide. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-6.