🌤 Weather at Dall Bay State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–58 °F | 48–65 °F | 35–59 °F | 31–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ketchikan 10N, 13 mi away, elevation 295 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Ketchikan Marine — Protected bay on Long Island near Ketchikan in the Tongass National Forest
Dall Bay State Marine Park protects a sheltered bay on the west coast of Long Island near Ketchikan. The park provides a calm anchorage for boats and kayakers, surrounded by the dense temperate rainforest of the Tongass — the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest. The bay supports excellent fishing for salmon and halibut and is frequented by black bears, humpback whales, and harbor seals.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Long Island, near Ketchikan, AK |
| Access | Boat or kayak only |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Forest | Tongass temperate rainforest |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there bears?
Yes — black bears are common throughout the Tongass. Brown (grizzly) bears are also possible. Store food in bear-resistant containers and follow Alaska bear safety guidelines.
What is the Tongass National Forest?
The Tongass — surrounding Dall Bay — is the largest national forest in the US at 17 million acres. It’s the world’s largest intact temperate rainforest, receiving 100-200 inches of rain annually.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Black Sands Beach State Marine Park (a short drive away) or Refuge Cove State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐻 Visit Dall Bay SMP
Tongass rainforest bay — sheltered anchorage near Ketchikan with bears, whales, and salmon.
About Dall Bay
Dall Bay State Marine Park on Gravina Island near Ketchikan protects a sheltered bay in the heart of Southeast Alaska’s temperate rainforest. The bay provides anchorage and camping in the Tongass National Forest — the largest national forest in the United States. The surrounding old-growth Sitka spruce forest receives over 150 inches of rain annually.
Things to Do
Anchorage for boaters, camping in the temperate rainforest, fishing for salmon and halibut, wildlife viewing (black bears, bald eagles, whales), kayaking, and beachcombing. Access by boat from Ketchikan.
Insider Tips
Ketchikan wilderness: Dall Bay on Gravina Island is accessible by boat from Ketchikan — Alaska’s “First City” (first port of call on the Inside Passage cruise route). Pro tip: The bay supports healthy populations of Sitka blacktail deer and black bears. Salmon streams: Multiple streams enter the bay — pink and chum salmon runs July-September attract bears and eagles.
Best Time to Visit
July-September: Salmon runs attract bears and eagles. Summer: Best weather for boating access. Spring: Herring spawns turn the water milky white. Fall: Fewer visitors, mushroom season in the rainforest.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Dall Bay State Marine Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Dall Bay State Marine Park?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Dall Bay State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
