A popular USFS recreation stop on the east side of Behm Canal northwest of Ketchikan, Naha Bay pairs an easy public float with a famous reversing tidal falls and miles of boardwalk trail into bear-rich Tongass backcountry.
Naha Bay indents the east side of Behm Canal about 11.5 miles northeast of Caamano Point, fronting the old village site of Loring on Revillagigedo Island. A state-maintained, USFS-managed L-shaped small-craft float (with an attached seaplane float) sits at the head of the cove west of the ruined wharf, giving most cruisers an easy tie-up and direct access to the Naha River trail system and several Forest Service cabins.
The big draw is Roosevelt Lagoon, a brackish backwater connected to Naha Bay only through a narrow reversing tidal falls. The race runs hard on both flood and ebb and is genuinely dangerous, strong enough to capsize a dinghy, so it should only be attempted by dinghy right at slack water, and never by keelboat. From the float, the boardwalk trail leads up the Naha River past the lagoon toward Heckman Lake, a classic salmon stream where black and brown bears are common; carry bear-awareness gear.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The bay and its approaches are clear and generally steep-to. Indian Point marks the north entrance; Cache Island lies near the middle of the bay with deep water on all sides except a 9-fathom spot about 0.3 mile west of it. On the ebb a strong west set is noticed in Behm Canal at the entrance, and tide rips can form. Anchor just below the ruins of the old wharf about 300 yards off the village in roughly 19 fathoms, mud bottom; do not approach the shore in front of the village closer than 100 yards, and note the bight east of the village dries at low water.
Small craft seeking better shelter can anchor in the small bay north of Dogfish Island, which gives protection from the southwest squalls that occasionally strike with force. About 12 feet was reported alongside the floats, so deeper-draft boats should check the tide before lying against them. The Roosevelt Lagoon entrance tiderace is the principal hazard and should not be attempted without local knowledge and slack-water timing.
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 Naha 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.
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Cruising-distance picks near this anchorage.
