Anan Bay Cabin
Anan Bay Cabin is popular for wildlife viewing due to its location near Anan Wildlife Observatory, where bears and bald eagles come to fish for salmon in the adjacent creek. The setting in Anan Bay also provides access to saltwater fishing, viewing marine mammals and paddling. The cabin is located about 27 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell, Alaska, and can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Anan Bay Cabin was originally built in 1964, but a new cabin was constructed in the spring of 2012 using Alaska yellow cedar from the Tongass National Forest. That cabin was destroyed by a fallen tree in 2023. A new cabin was built in 2024. This 16' x 20' cabin with loft was constructed from Western Red Cedar, 2 single bunks, table, benches, oil heater (#1 stove oil only), and outhouse toilet. Bedding, cooking utensils, stove oil not provided. A 40' mooring float is located in front of the cabin in the bay, but is open to use by the general public as well as cabin users. Vessel limit on the float is a maximum of 36 feet long, with a 30" draft. Water and electricity are not provided. Water may be available from a seasonal creek behind the cabin, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own supply of water.
Heating oil is not supplied by the Forest Service. In addition to bringing a supply of #1 stove oil, guests should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. There are no outdoor fires allowed at this cabin.
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Need to Know
- This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
- Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
- There is no cell phone service at the cabin
- Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
- Please pack out all trash and food
During peak bear-viewing season (July 5 to August 25), day-use permits are needed to visit nearby Anan Wildlife Observatory; cabin reservation holds 4 permits, which must be purchased ($20 per day/person) in addition to the cabin fee if guests choose to go to observatory. These held permits can be purchased with a credit card at the trailhead each day. No one is allowed to go past the trailhead up to the observatory before 8am and must come down by 6pm.
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
No dogs are allowed at the Anan Bay Cabin from June 15 - September 15
- No camping outside the Anan Bay Cabin from June 15 - September 15
No hiking off trail ffrom June 15 - September 15
- High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in this area
There are no outdoor fires allowed
- Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
Natural Features
The cabin sits on a gentle slope leading down to the beach, overlooking Anan Bay. The surrounding rainforest is primarily Sitka spruce and western hemlock with some scattered cedar. The slopes around the cabin are gentle to moderate. The nearby lagoon is an intertidal area that often goes dry during low tide.
The area provides excellent opportunities to view black and brown bears, harbor seals, bald eagles and various gulls (bear safety information ). The high number of salmon in nearby Anan Creek allows visitors the opportunity to view their seasonal spawning in the months of July and August.
Recreation
The 1-mile Anan Creek Trail leads from the cabin to the Anan Wildlife Observatory. During peak viewing season, the months of July and August, Forest Service interpreters are on-site to provide current information on bear safety, trail conditions and bear activity. During peak season no one is allowed past the trailhead before 8am or after 6pm. There is a high possibility of encountering bears on this trail during this time.
Fishing is only permitted from the shore at the trailhead between June 15th and September 15th, due to bear activity. Steelhead is available in April and May, and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and pink salmon in July and August. There are opportunities to fish for salmon and halibut in the saltwater.
There are no outdoor fires allowed at this cabin due to bear activity.
Changes & Cancellations
Contact Information
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WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 51 WRANGELL AK 99929
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-874-2323
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
This cabin is on the mainland at Anan Bay, across Ernest Sound from the southeast corner of Wrangell Island. The site is 27 miles by air from Wrangell, and is accessible by boat and float plane. There is a 40-foot mooring float anchored in the bay for use by the general public as well as cabin users. Please consult local tide reports to determine the best arrival and departure times.
