Thomas Bay lies southeast of Petersburg off Frederick Sound, tucked beneath the Coast Mountains and fed by the massive Baird Glacier. It’s one of the more dramatic anchorages in the region—steep-sided, glacier-carved, and often draped in mist.
The bay opens broadly to Frederick Sound but quickly narrows into a series of arms, with Cascade Creek and Scenery Cove being the most commonly used anchorages.
This is not a harbor—you’re anchoring in wild country. But on a settled day, it’s one of those places that makes you forget schedules entirely.
Approach notes, hazards to watch for, and what's available once you're tied up.
The approach from Frederick Sound is straightforward, especially compared to Wrangell Narrows.
Once inside, navigation becomes more about choosing your anchoring spot than avoiding hazards.
This is the big one.
Cold air spills off the glacier and steep mountains:
You’ll often see them before you feel them—dark streaks on the water racing toward you.
Especially in spring and early summer:
Not a place to run fast near shore.
Depth is both a blessing and a challenge:
Good ground tackle and planning matter here.
Thomas Bay is known for its persistent moisture:
Radar and disciplined navigation help if conditions close in.
Once anchored deep inside:
Pick your weather window thoughtfully.
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 Thomas 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.
