Anan Bay Cabin

$35.00/night

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51
WRANGELL, AK 99929

Anan Wildlife Observatory Forest Order Wrangell Ranger District

To provide for public safety and resource protection, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System lands described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Use Restriction Area”).

PROHIBITIONS

A. Going into, being upon, entering, or using any National Forest System land in the Use Restriction Area, with the exception of the:

Anan Bay Cabin;
Anan Trailhead and outhouse;
Anan Creek Trail (#448);
Anan Wildlife Observatory Deck and photo blind. 36 CFR § 261.53(e).

B. Possessing or storing any food or refuse within the Use Restriction Area. 36 CFR § 261.58(cc).

C. Possessing or transporting any dog or other domestic animal within the Use Restriction Area shown on Exhibit A, including on the Anan Creek Trail. 36 CFR § 261.58(s).

USE RESTRICTION AREA

The Use Restriction Area consists of any National Forest System lands within one-half (1/2) mile of the Anan Creek Trail (#448), beginning at the Anan Bay Cabin and ending at the Anan Observatory Deck as shown on Exhibit A.

ORDER NO: 10-05-22-25-08

ANAN WILDLIFE OBSERVATORY USE RESTRICTION TONGASS NATIONAL FOREST

FOREST ORDER

Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 CFR § 261.50(a) and (b), and to provide for public safety and resource protection, the following acts are prohibited on the National Forest System (NFS) lands described below and shown on the attached map incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Use Restriction Area”).

PROHIBITIONS

Going into, being upon, entering, or using any NFS land in the Use Restriction Area, with the exception of the:
- Anan Bay Cabin;
- Anan Trailhead and outhouse;
- Anan Creek Trail (#448);
- Anan Wildlife Observatory Deck and photo 36 CFR § 261.53(e).
Possessing or storing any food or refuse within the Use Restriction 36 CFR § 261.58(cc).
Possessing or transporting any dog or other domestic animal within the Use Restriction Area shown on Exhibit A, including on the Anan Creek Trail. 36 CFR § 261.58(s).

EXEMPTIONS

Pursuant to 36 CFR § 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from the Order:

Persons with a Forest Service permit specifically authorizing the otherwise prohibited act or 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(1).
Any Federal, State, or local law enforcement officer, or any member of an organized rescue or fire fighting force in the performance of an official duty. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(4).
Persons using the Anan Bay Cabin may possess or store food or refuse in conjunction with the authorized use of that cabin, and persons using the Anan Creek Trail or the Wildlife Observatory Deck may store food or refuse in the food cache at the Anan Trailhead. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(6).
Persons with a disability may possess a service animal within the Use Restriction Area. The term “service animal” means any dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. 36 CFR § 261.50(e)(6).

USE RESTRICTION AREA

The Use Restriction Area consists of any National Forest System (NFS) lands within one-half (1/2) mile of the Anan Creek Trail (#448), beginning at the Anan Bay Cabin and ending at the Anan Observatory Deck as shown on Exhibit A.

IMPLEMENTATION

These prohibitions will apply from June 15 through September 15 during the time period that the Order is in effect. The Order is effective from [Insert date] through September 31, 2027.
A map identifying the Use Restriction Area is attached and made a part of this order as Exhibit
Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined by their plain language definitions.
A violation of these prohibitions is punishable by a fine of not more than $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 18 U.S.C. §§ 3559 and 3571.
These prohibitions are in addition to the general prohibitions in 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart A.

Executed in Ketchikan, Alaska, this 25 day of June 2025.

Monique Nelson Forest Supervisor

Tongass National Forest

Overview

Anan Bay Cabin is popular for wildlife viewing due to its location near Anan Wildlife Observatory, where bears and bald eagles come to fish for salmon in the adjacent creek. The setting in Anan Bay also provides access to saltwater fishing, viewing marine mammals and paddling. The cabin is located about 27 miles southeast of the town of Wrangell, Alaska, and can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The 1-mile Anan Creek Trail leads from the cabin to the Anan Wildlife Observatory. During peak viewing season, the months of July and August, Forest Service interpreters are on-site to provide current information on bear safety, trail conditions and bear activity. During peak season no one is allowed past the trailhead before 8am or after 6pm. There is a high possibility of encountering bears on this trail during this time. Fishing is only permitted from the shore at the trailhead between June 15th and September 15th, due to bear activity. No one is allowed off the trail from June 15th to September 15th by order of the Forest Supervisor. Steelhead is available in April and May, and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and pink salmon in July and August. There are opportunities to fish for salmon and halibut in the surrounding saltwater.

There are no outdoor fires allowed at this cabin due to bear activity.

Facilities

Anan Bay Cabin was originally built in 1964, but a new cabin was constructed in the spring of 2012 using Alaska yellow cedar from the Tongass National Forest. That cabin was destroyed by a fallen tree in 2023. A new cabin was built in 2024. This 16' x 20' cabin with loft was constructed from Western Red Cedar, 2 single bunks, table, benches, oil heater (#1 stove oil only), and outhouse toilet. Bedding, cooking utensils, stove oil not provided. A 40' mooring float is located in front of the cabin in the bay, but is open to use by the general public as well as cabin users. Vessel limit on the float is a maximum of 30 feet long, with a 30" draft. Water and electricity are not provided. Visitors should bring their own supply of water. From June 15th to September 15th visitors are not allowed off trail by order of the Forest Supervisor. Additionally, no dogs are allowed. No food is allowed outside of the cabin and the trailhead from June 15th to September 15th. During permit season of July 5th to August 25th no one is allowed past the trailhead before 8am or after 6pm. Four permits for the observatory are reserved each day for purchase at the trailhead specifically for cabin users. These permits must be purchased on-site at the trailhead using a credit card. If more than 4 permits a day are needed, or if permits are required for the day of departure, they should be purchased in advance through Recreation.gov. Heating oil is not supplied by the Forest Service. In addition to bringing a supply of #1 stove oil, guests should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. There are no outdoor fires allowed at this cabin.

Click here for additional cabin information

Natural Features

The cabin sits on a gentle slope leading down to the beach, overlooking Anan Bay. The surrounding rainforest is primarily Sitka spruce and western hemlock with some scattered cedar. The slopes around the cabin are gentle to moderate. The nearby lagoon is an intertidal area that often goes dry during low tide.

The area provides excellent opportunities to view black and brown bears, harbor seals, bald eagles and various gulls (bear safety information ). The high number of salmon in nearby Anan Creek allows visitors the opportunity to view their seasonal spawning in the months of July and August.

Nearby Attractions

Anan Wildlife Observatory. During permit season, July 5th - August 25th four permits are reserved each day at the trailhead specifically for cabin users. These permits must be purchased on-site at the trailhead using a credit card. If more than 4 permits per day are needed, or if permits are needed for the day of departure, they should be purchased in advance through Recreation.gov.

Charges & Cancellations

Camp site features

Across 1 camp site:

Largest party: 7 people

Fees

Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance of cabin arrival. Cabin reservations are restricted to a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per party for any one reservation between May 1 and September 30, and 10 consecutive days from Oct. 1 through April 30. There are no discounts for Alaska cabin rentals with Golden Age and Golden Passports. Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.

Directions

This cabin is on the mainland at Anan Bay, across Ernest Sound from the southeast corner of Wrangell Island. The site is 27 miles by air from Wrangell, and is accessible by boat and float plane. There is a 30-foot mooring float anchored in the bay for use by the general public as well as cabin users. Please consult local tide reports to determine the best arrival and departure times. The maximum vessel length for the float is 30 feet and the maximum draft is 30 inches, the anchors are not big enough to hold larger vessels. You will need a smaller craft to access the shore from the float.

Stay Limit

Check in from 12 PM, check out by 12 PM.

Reviews

6 reviews

5 stars

4 stars

Juan B

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed 3 months ago

Staying in this cabin is the perfect way to enjoy the Anan Bear Observatory, which is a STUNNING experience. You get to stay with the bears by yourself once all day tours have gone, and you can also get there in the morning before anyone arrives. Just magical!

Kayleigh M

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

Love going to Anan! The new cabin is beautiful and so well taken care of. The staff at the Observatory is so helpful and full of knowledge. I love that there is so much wildlife to appreciate at Anan. During our time there we saw so many black bears, brown bears, bald eagles, harbor seals, humpback whales, ravens, mink, and many salmon. Such a special place!

Renee B

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

The new cabin that was rebuilt is absolutely amazing. The best thing that you did was put the porch on the front are most of our time was spent on the front porch looking out at the beautiful scenery the inside absolutely amazing great job beautiful place.

Tom K

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed a year ago

What a stunning experience! Nonstop bear action, mostly black bears , a few brown bears, sows with cubs, calm bears, grumpy bears, picky bears, shy bears. Keep your head on a swivel bears everywhere the scene changes every minute. Beautiful cabin, room for many guests. Large stainless kitchen counter. We heard a trickling stream not far from the cabin under the boardwalk but did not need any water. We recommend getting it for two days if possible if you really like bears. Something new every day. The trail from the cabin to the falls/ viewing platform is board walk and gravel, very easy walking. The reservation reserves the permit(4), you still have to purchase them at the trailhead, bring your credit card. The three level viewing platform is great, mostly covered and restrooms. Lots of leftover fuel canisters and water left at the cabin by other users. We'd definitely do it again and again!!!!

Mark b

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed 4 years ago

All in all its was a bucket list experience for me, One of my top five. If you are planning on staying always consider bringing fuel oil for the heater. Remember the largest percentage of the time there will be rain, I did not require the heater for the cabin but it came in very handy for drying out clothing and equipment. Bring a fishing rod and crab pot for some excellent meals. Please respect the wild life in this area, remember you are visiting there living area. If you are carrying bear spray, educate your self on when and how to use it. My stay lasted 7 days and I encountered more than a dozen bears at the cabin and trail within close proximity all of which where easily managed without the use of bear spray. Respect them and give them there space to help preserve this magical place.

janakiram n

Loop:Area Anan Bay Cabin

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Reviewed 7 years ago

Excellent. One of the most memorable stays in Alaskan wilderness. Very pristine and untouched land; Bear viewing was amazing too, Its a different feeling when you know that you are part of their natural habitat.

Availability

See the Camp Sites section below to find detailed booking availability.

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