A snug, scenic anchorage tucked into the north side of Freshwater Bay off Chatham Strait, famous for a tumbling waterfall at its head and one of Southeast Alaska's most reliable brown-bear viewing spots during the summer salmon run.
Pavlof Harbor lies on the east coast of Chichagof Island, about 8.5 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs, just inside the north shore of Freshwater Bay. The inner basin is small but holds a good number of boats, ringed by forested slopes with a prominent waterfall spilling from a small lake at the head of the harbor into a short salmon stream.
The harbor is best known for its brown bears, which gather at the base of the falls and along Pavlof Creek to fish for salmon from roughly July through September. It is a designated State Marine Park, and bear-viewing rules apply: boats must stay well off the falls, landings are restricted to the north side of the creek, and food must be kept away from the viewing area.
Holding is generally good in mud and sand, and the spot is a popular overnight stop for cruisers transiting Chatham Strait. Shore access by skiff or kayak lets visitors reach the creek mouth and the falls trail.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
Approach from Chatham Strait into Freshwater Bay, which offers deep, clear water at its entrance, then turn into Pavlof Harbor on the bay's north side. Cruising guides note a rock (and shoaling) near the harbor entrance that should be given a wide berth; favor mid-channel and consult a current large-scale chart, as the inner basin shoals toward the head.
The harbor opens toward the south and is comparatively open to the north and northwest, so it can become uncomfortable when winds swing into the northern quadrant and push chop in from Chatham Strait. Do not anchor or run the skiff close to the waterfall and creek mouth, both for safety and because of bear-viewing closures near the falls.
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 Pavlof Harbor 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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