Can you reserve a site at Phocena Bay Cabin?

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

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

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.

The facts

Season: Year Round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
1 bookable site
Up to 6 people per site
Loops: AREA PHOCENA BAY CABIN

Site types

1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Phocena Bay Cabin

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

Site	Loop	Type	Entry	Surface	Max rig	People
K09	AREA PHOCENA BAY CABIN	Cabin Nonelectric	—	—	—	6

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. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-6. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin.

55.17615, -131.80543 · 55°10'34.1"N 131°48'19.5"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 63°F in Aug, down to 41°F in Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	41	42	44	49	56	60	62	63	59	52	45	41
Low °F	31	31	33	38	43	48	53	53	47	41	35	32
Precip in	11.0	7.6	8.2	7.0	5.1	5.5	5.6	8.3	10.0	12.8	12.8	11.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 12.5 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 Phocena Bay Cabin

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

Also listed by

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

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

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

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Phocena Bay Cabin

Signal Creek Campground 16.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
S'igeidí Aas Hídi Cabin 16.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kegan Cove Cabin 17.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
Kegan Creek Cabin 18.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
Last Chance Campground 18.3 mi · Campground · we watch it
Trollers Cove Cabin 20.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
Alava Bay Cabin 25.8 mi · Campground · we watch it
Ketchikan Alaska Public Lands Information Center 13 mi · Visitor Center
Deer Mountain Shelter Site 14.3 mi · Campground
Icehouse Cove Buoy Camping Area 15.7 mi · Campground
Three C's Group Use Campground 16.8 mi · Campground
Last Chance Campground 19.6 mi · Campground

Contact

Phone 907-225-2148
Book Recreation.gov

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Phocena Bay Cabin