USDA Forest Service · Alaska
Phocena Bay Cabin
USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 no hookups
- Season
- Year-round
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 0 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Lake
- Tongass National Forest
- Nearest town
- KETCHIKAN
- Address
- KETCHIKAN, AK
- Phone
- 907-225-2148
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29° | 25° | 3° | 34° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 28° | 24° | 12° | 35° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 30° | 25° | 16° | 39° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 32° | 28° | 20° | 42° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 38° | 34° | 30° | 57° | 6 of 11 |
| June | 42° | 38° | 34° | 55° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 46° | 43° | 37° | 53° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 48° | 44° | 38° | 66° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 45° | 41° | 36° | 52° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 37° | 34° | 26° | 45° | 7 of 10 |
| November | 33° | 28° | 20° | 38° | 10 of 10 |
| December | 30° | 25° | 12° | 37° | 10 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Signal Creek Campground · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi · 24 sites
- S'igeidí Aas Hídi Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi · 1 sites
- Kegan Cove Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 1 sites
- Kegan Creek Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 1 sites
- Last Chance Campground · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 18 sites
All public campgrounds in Alaska · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.