A dramatic glacier-carved fjord on the east side of Baranof Island, famous for its multi-tiered waterfall plunging off the mountains, red-streaked cliffs, and one of the most reliable brown-bear-viewing shorelines in Southeast Alaska.
Red Bluff Bay cuts roughly four miles into the steep eastern flank of Baranof Island off Chatham Strait, about 25 miles southeast of Sitka. It is a deep two-basin fjord: an outer basin over 50 fathoms, an inner basin around 40 fathoms, with shallow sills between, so genuinely good anchoring water is scarce and tucked near the entrance islets and the head.
The bay is named for the reddish-brown rock exposed along the north-shore ridges, and the scenery is the main event - a several-hundred-foot lake-fed waterfall stair-steps down the spruce-clad slopes of Mt. Harden (3,050 ft) at the head. Brown bears are frequently seen grazing the grass flats and tidal estuary near the falls, making this a marquee wildlife stop.
Despite the postcard setting, Red Bluff demands respect: the bottom offers only thin, poor holding in places, and the high surrounding walls funnel violent williwaws in a blow. It is best treated as a fair-weather anchorage by crews comfortable with a tight, rock-bound entrance.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The entrance off Chatham Strait is narrow and rock-bound, partly blocked by a cluster of small islets sitting on a sill about 6 fathoms deep. Favor the charted deep slot, watch for kelp marking rocks, and time the approach for good light and calm conditions - NOAA chart 17336 is essential. Once inside, a shallow sill (about 7 fathoms) separates the outer and inner basins.
The principal danger is weather: the bay opens east toward Chatham Strait, so in heavy south or southeast weather, seas and especially williwaws sweep down off the surrounding peaks with considerable force. The Coast Pilot warns that heavy ground tackle is necessary to prevent dragging, as the holding near the entrance islets is only a thin layer of mud over rock.
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 Red Bluff 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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