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Tebenkof Bay Wilderness Area

The United States Congress designated the Tebenkof Bay Wilderness Area in 1980 and it now has a total of 66,812 acres. Located on Kuiu Island, this wilderness shares a boundary with the Kuiu Wilderness and the two are managed practically as one.  The most prominent feature of Tebenkof Bay Wilderness is a complex system of bays, islands, and coves. The wilderness encompasses the entire Tebenkof Bay watershed.

Muskeg bogs, small lakes, and many small creeks are scattered throughout the area. Coastal spruce and hemlock rise from sea level to alpine levels above 2,000 feet. Sea, shore, and land birds, including trumpeter swans, inhabit and migrate through the area. Black bears, wolves, and small furbearing animals such as beaver, marten, and mink are common in the interior.  Marine mammals such as Steller's sea lions, harbor seals, and sea otters are often seen from shore. Coho, sockeye, pink, and chum salmon; cutthroat, rainbow and steelhead trout; and Dolly Varden char inhabit the lakes and streams. Fishing vessels harvest dungeness and tanner crabs, shrimp, herring, and halibut in the waters offshore. Tebenkof Bay has a history of red tide, the algae bloom that causes paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP), so clams, oysters, and other bivalves should not be eaten from Tebenkof Bay.

Tlingít Natives once occupied this area and signs of their use may still be seen. They trapped, camped, hunted, fished, gathered seaweed, and gardened throughout the area.  Ancient and historic artifacts should be left where they are found and reported to Forest Service archeologists. The Tlingít people used portage routes on Kuiu Island to escape bad weather and avoid dangerous passages. Floatplanes are allowed to land on saltwater in Tebenkof Bay so many kayakers fly into the bay for guided trips.  More experienced kayakers also take the Alaska State ferry to the village of Kake on Kupreanof Island and follow the routes outlined on the Kuiu Island - Tebenkof Bay Canoe/Kayak Routes Map available from the Petersburg Ranger District.

Beware of swift tidal currents when approaching by boat. Rain keeps the area wet year-round. You'll find no trails or facilities of any kind, but wilderness camping is allowed although Leave No Trace methods should be used.  Human visitors are few.  Tebenkof Bay Wilderness provides ample opportunity for isolated, undeveloped forms of recreation.

USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: October 27, 2010