Waterfall
Beaver Falls
A 40-foot karst waterfall that vanishes into a cave.
3.6 mi
Viewpoint
El Capitan Cave
Alaska's longest mapped cave, seen on free summer ranger tours on the north end of the island.
Tongass National Forest · USFS
- Season months
- May–Aug
- View of
- El Capitan Cave
- Access modes
- Road · Hike
- Road accessible
- Yes
- Parking
- Yes
- Best time
- Summer tour season, late May to early August
- Interpretive signs
- Yes
RoadHike
Cavers have mapped more than two miles of passage in El Capitan Cave, the longest known cave in Alaska. The gated cave can only be seen on free Forest Service tours in summer (Memorial Day to early August, Wednesday to Sunday). Tours climb a steep, strenuous trail to a deck at the cave mouth, about 250 feet up, then go roughly 500 feet inside; allow about 2 hours. Groups are limited to six, children under 7 are not allowed, and helmets and headlamps are provided. It is about 40°F inside. Reserve at least 2 days ahead with the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304, weekdays 8:00 to 4:30.
Location
In pictures
Hiking · Cultural tours · Photography
Sources
- El Capitan Cave Interpretive SiteUSDA Forest Service, Tongass National Forest · Accessed 2026-11-05
Last updated 2026-11-05
Nearby within 25 miles
Waterfalls
Trails
Public use cabins
Public-use cabin
Red Bay Lake Cabin
North-end lake cabin that sleeps 8, by short hike and row or floatplane.
5.4 mi
Public-use cabin
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin
North-end lake cabin with a rowboat.
8.4 mi
Public-use cabin
Shipley Bay Cabin
Kosciusko Island cabin facing 2,592-foot Mount Francis, an hour by boat from El Capitan.
8.7 mi
Public-use cabin
Sarkar Lake Cabin
Lake cabin on the Sarkar Canoe Route, with skiffs provided.
14.8 mi
Public-use cabin
Barnes Lake Cabin
Cedar cabin on a saltwater lagoon with crabbing and some of the island's best silver salmon fishing.
16.9 mi
Public-use cabin
Sweetwater Lake Cabin
Lake cabin 10 road miles from Coffman Cove, then a short hike and skiff ride.
20.8 mi
Public-use cabin
Staney Creek Cabin
Easy-access cabin a half mile by boardwalk from Forest Road 2054, near Staney Creek's salmon and steelhead.
24.6 mi