Phocena Bay Cabin
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.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | People / vehicles |
|---|---|
| K09 | 6 / – |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Fees | 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. |
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. 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).
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
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. A mooring buoy is located in Phocena Bay. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin.
| Nearest town | Ketchikan, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 55.1761° N, 131.8054° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Drinking water is not available at the cabin.
Explore
Worth a stop
- 13 miKetchikan Alaska Public Lands Information Center ↗Visitor center
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Father William Duncan HouseBuilding · Metlakatla · 9.1 mi
- Chief Kashakes HouseBuilding · Saxman · 12.8 mi
- Saxman Totem ParkHistoric district · Saxman · 12.9 mi
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.
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.
Guidebooks for Alaska
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Phocena Bay Cabin?
Sites at Phocena Bay Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Phocena Bay Cabin?
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.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Phocena Bay Cabin?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Phocena Bay Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Phocena Bay Cabin?
The area lends itself to easy hiking to explore nearby tide pools and the surrounding forest. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Phocena Bay Cabin?
Ketchikan, Alaska.
Source: Getting there
What if Phocena Bay Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area (15.7 mi, first-come), Signal Creek Campground (16.6 mi), and Three C's Group Use Campground (16.8 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby