Alava Bay Cabin

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 20 miles
Landing Area NOT frozen in winter
Water landings year around

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 14.5 miles at 081
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 14.5 miles at 260

VFR Directions: To the Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. Begin reducing altitude as your landing is after the next waypoint.[5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point we can set a heading direct for the Alava Bay Cabin. Set your heading for 024, the cabin is 2.9 miles ahead [2 minutes]
  5. You will see three small islands in Alava Bay just ahead. The cabin is located on the north side of the small island to the left, nearest the shore. Descend and make approach based on wind and conditions.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. After leaving the cabin, set a heading for Alava Point, 204 degrees from the cabin, 2.9 miles from the cabin. [2 minutes]
  2. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  3. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination, 9 miles. [5.5 minutes]

Description: This is a rustic style 12' x 14' Pan-Abode log cabin with a wood-burning stove and sleeping space for 4 to 6 people. The cabin was constructed in 1974.

Location: Approximately 20 miles southeast of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island. Located on salt water, it is accessible by float plane or boat. A mooring buoy is provided. This cabin is located within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Please Leave No Trace of your visit.

Season of Use: Year-around.

Facilities: 2 single plywood bunks, 2 double plywood bunks, Table and benches, Wood stove, Cooking counter, Food cupboard and shelves, Broom, mop and bucket, Outhouse toilet, Axe Maul and wedge, Mooring buoy

Water is available from a creek near the cabin. Treat all water before using. Bring your own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lantern, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire extinguisher and fire starter. This cabin contains a wood stove. Please conserve firewood; supplied firewood is for wood stove use only. Collect your own beach/driftwood for campfires.

Additional Comments: There is no skiff provided at this salt water site. A reservation for a Forest Service cabin does not include exclusive use of the buoy. Buoy is on a first-come, first-serve basis; however, mooring of more than one vessel is allowed, provided the first party there agrees.

Special Features: Welcome to the sunshine cabin. This cabin offers extensive deck space and warm sunshine early in the morning on clear days. Saltwater fishing and sightseeing are the main attractions in this area. Other opportunities exist for hiking, hunting, and beachcombing. Hunting for sitka blacktail deer and black bear is popular in this area. In stormy weather Alava Bay serves as a protected anchorage for small boats.