Ketchikan Gateway

Phocena Bay Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations. The cabin operates at $75 per night May 1 through September 30 and $60 per night October 1 through April 30.

About

Phocena Bay Cabin sits on the south shore of Phocena Bay on the west side of Gravina Island, approximately 15 air miles and 25 water miles from Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest. This rustic 12x14-foot pan-abode style log cabin was originally constructed in 1973 and moved to its current location in 1985. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people with 2 single and 2 double bunks, and includes a table, benches, cooking counter, food storage, wood stove for heat, and an outhouse. The cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing, or cell phone coverage. The cabin is tucked into a sheltered cove on fairly flat terrain, backed by rainforest. A large tide flat appears in front of the cabin at low tide, and the deck offers spectacular views of Chapin Peak and the Puppet Mountains. The area is excellent for hiking to explore tide pools and surrounding forest, kayaking, boating, and saltwater fishing for ling cod, red snapper, halibut, and salmon outside the bay. Gravina Island supports populations of Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, marten, mink, beaver, and black bears. Bald eagles nest nearby, and visitors may see humpback and killer whales in Clarence Strait. Access is by floatplane or boat only. A mooring buoy is located in Phocena Bay, though the buoy chain has been reported as broken and unsafe for use. Visitors must consult local tide tables before departing, as there is almost no water in front of the cabin at low tide. Many boats are anchored in Phocena Bay during commercial fishing season. Visitors must bring their own drinking water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire extinguisher, and fire starter, and are expected to pack out all trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

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 by floatplane or by boat only. A mooring buoy is located in Phocena Bay but the buoy chain is broken and unsafe for use. Consult local tide tables before departing as there is almost no water in front of the cabin at low tide. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-6.

Nearby Campgrounds