Phocena Bay Cabin

Phocena Bay Cabin

About this campsite

Overview

Phocena Bay Cabin sits on the south shore of Phocena Bay on the west side of Gravina Island approximately 15 miles from Ketchikan. The cabin was constructed in 1973 and moved to its current site in 1985. The cabin is available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska with its recreation options, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. This primitive cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The area lends itself to easy hiking to explore nearby tide pools and the surrounding forest. Exploring can also be done via kayak or boat, but local tide tables first, since there is almost no water in front of the cabin at low tide.

Saltwater fishing is possible for ling cod, red snapper, halibut and salmon outside the bay. For information about fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Facilities

The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) log cabin accommodates 6 people with 2 single and 2 double
bunks. Other amenities include a table and benches, a cooking counter, food storage, broom, splitting maul, and an outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heat. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own water supply.

Visitors should also bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter.
Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving (additional cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin is tucked into a sheltered cove on fairly flat terrain, and is backed by rainforest. A large tide flat appears in front of the cabin at low tide. The cabin deck offers a spectacular view of Chapin Peak and the Puppet Mountains.

Gravina Island supports populations of Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, marten, mink, beaver and black bear (bear safety information). Bald eagles nest in the area, and there have been sightings of Queen Charlotte goshawks around Phocena Bay. Visitors may have opportunities to see humpback and killer whales in Clarence Strait.

Location

PHOCENA BAY CABIN•AK

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Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

TODAY🌦️

14° / 10°

💧 100%

TUE🌦️

14° / 10°

💧 98%

WED🌦️

11° / 10°

💧 61%

THU🌦️

12° / 9°

💧 62%

FRI☀️

12° / 8°

💧 30%

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

26.7 km away

SIGNAL CREEK CAMPGROUND

Overview Signal Creek Campground is a year-round facility located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 7 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. The campground straddles Signal Creek and lies on the banks of Ward Lake, with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Recreation Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Travel meanders 1.3 miles around the lake. A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake. Facilities Signal Creek Campground's sites can accommodate up to 10 people. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided. Water is provided during the peak season only. Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed. Natural Features The campground is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Signal Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Lake is adjacent. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound.

26.7 km away

S'igeidí Aas Hídi Cabin

Overview Newly constructed in 2026, S’igeidí Aas Hídi cabin offers a truly unique experience to visitors and locals alike. Facing Signal Creek, you can hear the rushing of the water from the ABA compliant cabin. Inside you will find a single and double bunk bed along with table, kitchen area, and an open loft upstairs. Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger Districts first drive to cabin lets you take advantage of all the activities at the Ward Lake Recreation Area. The cabin is accessible by road the Ward Lake Road and at the entrance to the Signal Creek Campground. Have a fire in the fire ring or enjoy the flames of the propane heat in the cabin. Enjoy the Tongass National Forest old growth trees, abundant hiking trails, and diverse wildlife. Recreation Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Trail meanders 1.3 miles around the Ward Lake. A large day-use complex with picnic sites and reservable shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws to the area. Facilities This 20-by-16 cabin with a 12-by-16 covered deck give you plenty of space to spread out. Inside you will find a bunk bed with a single and double bed and an empty loft space to accommodate large groups. It is also equipped with a table and benches, broom, a propane stove and an outhouse nearby. Water can be found at the hand pump in the campground, wood maybe available with the campground host. There is no electricity. Items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash if the garbage cans are full and clean the cabin before leaving. The door does have a coded lock. The code is changed weekly. Make sure you check your reservation details for the four-digit code. Natural Features The S’igeidí Aas Hídi cabin is located within the Signal Creek Campground. The area is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Signal Creek flows by the front of the cabin and Ward Lake is near by. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound. Charges & Cancellations Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.

28.9 km away

KEGAN COVE CABIN

Overview Kegan Cove Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site provides a scenic setting for fishing, hiking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site is accessible by boat or float plane at high tide. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The location of the cabin is prime for anglers, offering both saltwater and freshwater fishing. Salmon runs draw both anglers and black bears to Kegan Creek. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, dolly varden, char, and salmon are also found in the nearby lakes, streams and ponds. Hikers might also enjoy the easy half-mile trail along Kegan Creek that connects Kegan Cove to the cabin and Kegan Lake. Beachcombing is another popular pastime, searching the cove for sea-borne treasures. Facilities The cabin is a 16 x 18 foot cedar/Sitka spruce log cabin furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that can sleep up to six people. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, cupboard space, and a broom. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Firewood may be available, but the supply cannot be guaranteed. Guests are asked to be conservative with wood and use their cook stoves for cooking. Water is available from Kegan Creek, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features Kegan Cove cabin is located in a protected saltwater cove on Moira Sound. The surrounding flat, coastal terrain is dotted with a Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest. At low tide, a 100 foot tidal flat emerges, exposing rock in front of the cabin. Wildlife in the area is abundant, including eagles, shorebirds, Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.

29.3 km away

KEGAN CREEK CABIN

Overview Kegan Creek Cabin offers visitors a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, hiking, beachcombing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site is accessible by boat or float plane at high tide. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The location of the cabin is prime for anglers. Salmon runs draw both anglers and black bear to Kegan Creek. Rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and salmon are also found in the nearby lakes, streams and ponds. A boat with oars is provided, which uses a long shaft motor, but guests must bring their own. Hikers might also enjoy the easy half-mile trail along Kegan Creek that connects Kegan Cove with the cabin and Kegan Lake. Beachcombing is another popular pastime at the beach on the cove. A tidal flat emerges at low tide, exposing rock and sea-borne treasures. Facilities The cabin is a 12 x 12 foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin ( pan-abode style ) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to six people. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, an oil stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include a cooking bench and a broom. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, #1 diesel stove oil, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water is available from Kegan Creek, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. Click here for more cabin details. Natural Features Kegan Creek Cabin is located on Kegan Creek near the outlet of Kegan Lake. It is set back in the surrounding Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest, approximately a half-mile from a saltwater cove on Moira Sound. Wildlife in the area is abundant, including eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.

29.5 km away

LAST CHANCE CAMPGROUND

Overview Last Chance Campground is located in the Ward Lake Recreation Area, 9 miles north of downtown Ketchikan and about 4 miles north of the State ferry terminal. This campground straddles Last Chance Creek and lies next to Ward Creek with easy access to fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Recreation Hiking is a popular option, as the Ward Lake Recreation Area boasts seven trails. The Ward Lake Nature Trail meanders 1.3 miles around the lake. A large day-use complex with picnic sites and shelters is also available. Freshwater fishing, wildlife viewing and scenery are favorite draws at Ward Lake. Facilities Last Chance Campground is designated to be fully accessible. Each campsite contains a picnic table, a campfire ring with grill and a gravel parking spur. Two hand pumps for drinking water and three vault toilets are provided. Firewood may be provided but is not guaranteed. Firewood and other assistance may be obtained from the campground host located 2 miles away at Signal Creek Campground. Natural Features Last Chance is surrounded by an old-growth temperate rainforest comprised primarily of western hemlock and Sitka spruce. Last Chance Creek flows through the campground, and Ward Creek runs alongside. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffers the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks abound.