A tiny, steep-walled L-shaped pocket tucked into the east shore of Baranof Island off Chatham Strait, Ell Cove is one of the snuggest and most sheltered nooks on the route between Warm Springs Bay and Takatz Bay.
Ell Cove sits on the rugged east side of Baranof Island, a short hop north of Takatz Bay and Baranof Warm Springs. It takes its name from its shape: a narrow entrance channel that bends sharply, like the letter L, into an inner basin completely screened from Chatham Strait.
Once you round the inner elbow the world goes quiet, surrounded by steep, timbered slopes with waterfalls cascading down from the high country behind. It is very small and very remote, with swinging room for only a boat or two, but in return you get nearly land-locked protection and a sense of being tucked deep into the mountains.
Nearby Waterfall Cove (Kasnyku Falls) and the broader Warm Springs/Takatz area make Ell Cove a scenic overnight or lunch stop on a Baranof circumnavigation.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Approach from Chatham Strait along the east shore of Baranof Island between Waterfall Cove and Kasnyku Bay. The entrance is narrow and the cove is steep-to, so favor mid-channel on the way in and watch the chart and bow for rocks near the shorelines; reduce speed and proceed cautiously through the dogleg.
The basin is small with very limited swinging room, so most boats anchor in the inner arm and many will want to set a stern line ashore to keep from swinging onto the rocky walls. Depths drop off steeply, so sound carefully and pick your spot before letting go.
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 Ell Cove with approach photos, depth notes, and points of interest — written by members who have been here recently.
Member-uploaded images of this anchorage.
Real first-hand reports and questions answered by members who have actually been here.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.