Anan Bay is the staging anchorage for the famous Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, a shallow mainland bight on Ernest Sound about 30 miles southeast of Wrangell where black and brown bears gather to feed on one of Southeast Alaska's largest pink-salmon runs.
Tucked into the mainland shore across Ernest Sound from the southeast corner of Wrangell Island, Anan Bay exists for one reason: the Anan Creek Wildlife Observatory, a half-mile up a USFS trail from the head of the bay. The creek hosts one of the largest pink-salmon runs in the region, drawing both black bears and a smaller population of brown bears, and during peak season (roughly July 5 to August 25) every visitor needs a day-use permit, with only a limited number of private permits released daily through Recreation.gov.
A 16-by-20-foot USFS cabin (rebuilt in 2024) sits at the head of the bay and can be reserved through Recreation.gov; the reservation includes four observatory permits. A 40-foot public mooring float lies in front of the cabin, available first-come, first-served but limited to vessels up to 30 feet and 30-inch draft. Larger cruising boats anchor off and go ashore by dinghy.
This is a wilderness stop, not a harbor: there are no provisions, fuel, or services, and from June 15 to September 15 visitors must stay on the trail and leave dogs aboard, by order of the Forest Supervisor.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Anan Bay is approached from Ernest Sound and is essentially an open, west-to-southwest-facing roadstead with limited protection; it is exposed to wind and swell working up or down the sound from the western quadrant. The bay shoals quickly into a large tidal flat at its head, and the lagoon behind the beach dries at low water, so arrival and departure should be timed to the tide. A 40-foot public float fronts the cabin (vessels to 30 feet, 30-inch draft only).
Anchoring is tricky: the bottom drops off steeply from the flat to deep water, and the holding is reported as sand, which can be marginal. Boats typically anchor on the relatively narrow shelf between the drying flat and the steep drop, watching the sounder closely and allowing for the large tidal range. A dinghy is required to reach shore from the anchorage or float.
Wind protection summary and tide planning at a glance. Full per-direction and 7-day detail with Plus.
Live readings from the nearest OpenWeather station and WorldTides; refreshed every few minutes.
Source: OpenWeather One Call API + WorldTides.
A curated photo + map walkthrough showing approach, mooring options, and points of interest.
A guided walkthrough of Anan Bay with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
No reviews yet. Be the first.
Cruising info goes stale fast — fees change, fuel docks close, hours shift. WalkTheDock stays accurate because boaters who’ve actually been here keep it current. Spot something out of date? Suggest a correction; once a moderator approves it the change goes live and you’re credited below.
No community updates yet — spotted something out of date? Use “Suggest an edit” below.
Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
