Can you reserve a site at Alava Bay Cabin?

Yes, Alava Bay Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.

Alava Bay Cabin, Alaska — 1 site, fees and cancellation alerts

Overview

Alava Bay Cabin was built in 1974 and sits on Revillagigedo Island on the southwest side of Alava Bay. This secluded retreat is open year-round and offers opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing and a variety of recreational activities within the Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness. The site can be accessed by floatplane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The bay and surrounding area can be explored by kayak, but visitors must bring their own equipment. Navigating the waters here poses a challenge due to tides, merging currents and exposure to open ocean waters ( local tide charts ). Opportunities exist for saltwater fishing, hiking and beachcombing. Hunting for Sitka black-tailed deer and black bear is a popular pastime.

Facilities

This 12x14-ft. pan-abode style cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with two single bunks, two double bunks, a table and benches, broom, wood heater and an outhouse.

The cabin has a front deck and receives plenty of sunshine on clear mornings. A mooring float is available, but it is not for the exclusive use of cabin visitors.

Water and electricity are not provided. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed. Water is available from a nearby creek, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply.

Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns or flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, axe,
and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

The cabin is backed by old-growth rainforest with a rocky beach nearby. The surrounding landscape features gentle slopes and dense forest. Visitors can look out over Alava Bay from the front deck of the cabin. A small island is nearby, situated between the bay and Behm Canal. This is often a stop for those exploring Misty Fjords, an area known for its unusual rock formations, steep fjord walls and quiet inlets. Black and brown bears, wolves, moose, bald eagles and Sitka black-tailed deer are common to this area. Misty Fjords is home to a variety of marine mammals, including orcas, humpback whales, harbor seals and sea lions.

The facts

Season: Open year round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
1 bookable site
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: AREA ALAVA BAY CABIN

Site types

1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Alava Bay Cabin

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
M01	AREA ALAVA BAY CABIN	Cabin Nonelectric	—	—	—	6

Getting there

The cabin is approximately 20 air miles southeast of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island. Accessible by floatplane, kayak or boat with mooring buoy. Navigation is challenging due to tides, merging currents and open ocean waters. Please check tide tables in advance. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-4.

55.22411, -131.15604 · 55°13'26.8"N 131°9'21.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 66°F in Aug, down to 43°F in Jan.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	43	44	46	52	59	63	66	66	61	54	47	43
Low °F	33	33	34	39	45	50	54	54	49	42	37	34
Precip in	10.4	7.7	7.9	7.2	5.5	5.1	5.2	7.9	10.2	12.9	12.6	11.0

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 21 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

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.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

Common questions about Alava Bay Cabin

Can you reserve a site at Alava Bay Cabin?: Yes, Alava Bay Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Alava Bay Cabin have?: 1 site.

Also listed by

Alava Bay Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Alava Bay Cabin's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

$75/night peak season May 1 to September 30 $60/night non-peak season October 1 to April 30

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Alava Bay Cabin

Fish Creek Cabin 11.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ella Narrows Cabin 18.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Winstanley Island Cabin 18.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
Winstanley Lake Cabin 19.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Bakewell Lake Cabin 19.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
Hugh Smith Lake Cabin 22 mi · Campground · we watch it
Checats Lake Cabin 22.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area 13.4 mi · Campground
Winstanley Lake Shelter Site 18.3 mi · Campground
Deer Mountain Shelter Site 19.7 mi · Campground
Ketchikan Alaska Public Lands Information Center 20.8 mi · Visitor Center
Last Chance Campground 21 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 907-225-2148
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-07-10.

Alava Bay Cabin