Point Baker, Alaska · Prince of Wales-Hyder County · Campground
Overview Newly constructed in 2024, El Cap Cabin offers a truly unique experience to visitors and locals alike. This waterfront, ABA compliant cabin, brags a scenic view of beautiful El Capitan Passage. El Cap Cabin is accessible by road and is located northwest of the small town of Whale Pass. It provides a remote, sc…
Overview Newly constructed in 2024, El Cap Cabin offers a truly unique experience to visitors and locals alike. This waterfront, ABA compliant cabin, brags a scenic view of beautiful El Capitan Passage. El Cap Cabin is accessible by road and is located northwest of the small town of Whale Pass. It provides a remote, scenic setting for recreation and relaxation in the Tongass National Forest.Recreation The El Cap Campground is nearby many opportunities Prince of Wales island has to offer. Salmon fishing is popular during the summer months as well as fall deer hunting, beach combing and other marine sports including paddle craft and sea kayaking. The nearby El Cap cave system offers guided tours during the summer season and is the longest mapped cave in Alaska at over two miles.Facilities El Cap Cabin is a 16x20 pan-abode style log cabin with a covered porch. It sleeps up to six people, however there is only one bunk bed. There are no mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, cupboard space, broom, a large woodshed and maul.The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, Bio brick compressed logs for the woodstove, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove and fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, lantern or flashlights, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Natural Features The El Cap Campground is in an area of high geologic interest including the El Cap Cave. The surrounding forest boasts old growth species such as yellow cedar, red cedar, hemlock, and Sitka spruce. There is abundant wildlife viewing for both aquatic and terrestrial species including Sitka black tail deer, black bear, harbor seals, otters and many fish species. Prince of Wales Island has runs of every salmon species except chinook as well as populations of cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden. Nearby Attractions The main nearby attr
Photos
View of Front of Cabin — Devan Collier/ USFSView from front Deck — Devan Collier/ USFSFront of Cabin — Devan Collier/ USFS
How to Get There
El Capitan Cave can be reached by vehicle, boat, or plane. By road, follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile (1.6 km) to the cave. Watch for signs. From both Thorne Bay and Craig is an estimated 3-hour drive. There is a Forest Service dock for use by boats and planes, but they should not be left unattended. No boats over 24' are allowed. Boats over 24' will need to anchor out and skiff in.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to El Capitan Cabin
Heading to El Capitan Cabin? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for El Capitan Cabin?
No central reservation system listed for El Capitan Cabin. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10328148) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How many campsites are at El Capitan Cabin?
El Capitan Cabin has 1 campsites. Site amenities (hookups, vehicle limits, ADA access) vary — see the individual campsite pages for details.
How do I get to El Capitan Cabin?
El Capitan Cave can be reached by vehicle, boat, or plane. By road, follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile (1.6 km) to the cave. Watch for signs. From both Thorne Bay and Craig is an estimated 3-hour drive. There is a Forest Service dock for use by boats and planes, but they should not be left unattended. No boats over 24' are allowed. Boats over 2…
