A large, wild indentation in the northeast coast of Baranof Island opening off Chatham Strait just south of Peril Strait, Kelp Bay branches into several arms ringed by brown-bear country and salmon streams, with quiet, deep-water anchorages tucked well inside.
Kelp Bay is a big, deeply indented bay on the northeast coast of Baranof Island, about 10.5 miles south of the east entrance to Peril Strait. The main bay runs roughly 3.5 miles northwest before dividing into its arms: Middle Arm trends west, South Arm runs southwest, and Portage Arm reaches northwest. In the south part of the bay lies The Basin, fringed by island groups including Pond and Crow Islands.
This is classic Southeast Alaska bear country. The grassy tidal flats at the heads of the arms, particularly the long Middle Arm, are reliable places to spot coastal brown bears, and the salmon streams draw wildlife throughout the season. There is no commercial activity here; it is a remote wilderness stop.
The favored anchorages lie deep inside. The best holding is reported in the southeast corner of The Basin; the most commonly cited named-arm anchorage is in Middle Arm, about 0.8 mile off its head in 22 to 25 fathoms over a soft bottom.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Enter from Chatham Strait between North Point (the south tip of Catherine Island) and South Point on Baranof Island. The survey of the bay is old and incomplete, so uncharted dangers may exist, especially when transiting Echo Cove and The Basin. Known hazards include shoal water south of North Point, ledges off South Point, a kelp-marked submerged reef south of Point Lull, and within The Basin, Yellow Rock, Plover Rock, and Zubof Rock plus extensive shoals around Pond Island.
Water in the main bay and arms is generally deep, with anchoring depths of 22 to 25 fathoms in Middle Arm and the heads shoaling into tidal flats. Heavy ground tackle is recommended: during severe southeast gales, williwaws can be felt with considerable force and vessels have dragged.
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 Kelp Bay 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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