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Tongass Home » Districts and Offices » Prince of Wales Island » Recreation » El Capitan Cave

 

Cave Etiquette

El CaThe yellow cedar boardwalk leads to a deck right outside the mouth of El Capitan Cave, which is surrounded by lush green vegetation.

 

As the cave guide explains the proper cave etiquette, the tour listens from the cave deck.

 

As you adjust your helmets, you learn about proper cave etiquette.

Cave environments are completely different from the surface environment. Their climate varies little from season to season. Throughout the year the caves hovers around a chilly 40 degrees.

Just outside the cave entrance, a brown wooden sign warns in bright yellow letters of the dangers of caving in Southeast Alaska. As you explore El Cap, remember to avoid touching the walls or the formations. Skin oils discolor and waterproof formations and essentially kill them. Formation growth reflects the natural flow of water across cave walls. Body oils change that flow.

Caves are non-renewable resources. Once they are damaged or destroyed, they cannot be repaired, replaced, or rejuvenated. Please follow these universal guidelines in any caves you visit!

The Leave No Trace Organization provides more information on cave etiquette. You can pick up their "Caving Outdoor Skills & Ethics" brochure at either the Craig or Thorne Bay Ranger District office.

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USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest Accessibility Statement
Last Modified: July 11, 2007