🌤 Weather at Grindall Island 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.
A Public-Use Cabin on a Former Fox-Farm Island, 18 Air Miles from Ketchikan
Grindall Island State Marine Park covers 240 acres on Grindall Island, 18 air miles from Ketchikan and 40 air miles from Craig. It is a remote park reached only by boat or plane. The park has a public-use cabin and a mooring buoy, and the area is known for salmon and halibut fishing. A sea lion haul-out lies just east of the island at Approach Rock.
The island and cabin site were homesteaded and run as a fox farm from 1922 into the 1950s. An unmaintained trail leads from the cabin site through the forest to a lake in the middle of the island.
Things to Do
- Cabin: the Grindall Island Cabin, a public-use cabin for rent
- Fishing: salmon and halibut
- Wildlife: sea lions at the Approach Rock haul-out just east of the island; Alaska State Parks lists whale watching
- Hiking: an unmaintained trail from the cabin site to the lake
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Grindall Island, 18 air miles from Ketchikan and 40 air miles from Craig |
| Size | 240 acres |
| Access | No road access. Boat or plane |
| Facilities | Public-use cabin, mooring buoy |
| Fees | No entrance fee. Public-use cabin rates are in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not an ADA facility, according to Alaska State Parks |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 55.4495, -132.1444 |
Getting There
Ketchikan is the usual starting point, 18 air miles away; Craig is 40 air miles. Arrive by boat (a mooring buoy is available) or by floatplane, and arrange your pickup before you go.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Betton Island State Marine Park lies about 14 miles east, Totem Bight State Historical Park about 15 miles east and Refuge Cove State Recreation Site about 15 miles east.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get to Grindall Island State Marine Park?
By boat or plane only; the island is 18 air miles from Ketchikan and 40 air miles from Craig, and the park has a mooring buoy.
Is there a cabin on Grindall Island?
Yes. The Grindall Island Cabin is a public-use cabin; rates are listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule.
Is the park accessible?
Alaska State Parks lists Grindall Island as not an ADA facility.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Grindall Island State Marine Park; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
Camping reservations: At Grindall Island State Marine Park, Alaska State Parks takes online bookings for cabin rentals through reservealaskastateparks.com. As of October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Grindall Island 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 Grindall Island 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 Map
Plan your gear for Grindall Island State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
