🌤 Weather at Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–58 °F | 47–64 °F | 31–58 °F | 27–37 °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 Hoonah, 23 mi away, elevation 130 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
A Bear-Viewing Waterfall on Chichagof Island, With Rules From July 1 to September 30
Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park lies on Chichagof Island in Southeast Alaska, where Pavlof Creek drops over a waterfall between Pavlof Lake and Pavlof Harbor. The state’s park boundary data show about 640 acres, about 8 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs and about 24 miles southeast of Hoonah, straight-line. The park is undeveloped, and there is no road access: you come by boat or floatplane.
Alaska State Parks lists fishing as the activity here, and it sets a bear-viewing protocol for the falls from July 1 to September 30. In that season you watch from a brushed and cleared grassy knoll about 75 yards from the falls, and you go no closer, whether or not you see bears.
Chichagof Island is named after Admiral Vasili Chichagov, a Russian Arctic explorer. Alaska State Parks gives its size as more than 2,000 square miles, which makes it the fifth-largest island in the United States. Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs and Elfin Cove are its communities.
Bear-Viewing Protocol, July 1 to September 30
- Land boats and let people off only on the north side of Pavlof Creek, to the right as you look toward the waterfall.
- Keep boats and other watercraft at least 75 yards from the falls.
- To get closer on foot, walk the top edge of the north beach on the path below the alders, or the firm trail just inside the edge of the woods, to the grassy viewing knoll about 75 yards from the falls. Go no farther, on the beach, along the creek or in the woods.
- Don’t walk to Pavlof Lake from this side during the season. If you want to reach the lake, contact Alaska State Parks, and staff will help you find a route that keeps you at least 75 yards from the falls.
- Leave paddles, life vests and other boat gear inside your boat on the beach, and keep day packs and personal items with you on shore.
- Don’t eat at or near the viewing area. Eat on the beach at least 200 yards from the falls, and never leave food unattended on the beach or in a boat unless it is in a bear-proof container.
Things to Do
- Bear viewing: from the grassy knoll about 75 yards from the falls, under the seasonal protocol
- Fishing: the activity Alaska State Parks lists for the park
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Chichagof Island, about 8 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs |
| Size | About 640 acres (Alaska DNR park boundary data) |
| Access | No road access. Boat or floatplane |
| Facilities | None (undeveloped); a cleared bear-viewing knoll near the falls |
| Seasonal rules | Bear-viewing protocol from July 1 to September 30 |
| Fees | No fee listed in the Alaska State Parks fee schedule (as of October 2026) |
| Accessibility | Not listed as an ADA facility |
| Managed By | Alaska Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation |
| Coordinates | 57.8432, -135.0414 |
Getting There
Pavlof Harbor has no road access. Alaska State Parks names boat and floatplane as the ways in. Tenakee Springs lies about 8 miles southwest, Hoonah about 24 miles northwest and Juneau about 39 miles northeast, straight-line. In bear season, land only on the north side of Pavlof Creek and follow the protocol above.
Nearby State Parks
All neighbors are reached by water, so the straight-line distances below are shorter than any boat route. Funter Bay State Marine Park on Admiralty Island lies about 28 miles north, Big Bear/Baby Bear State Marine Park about 32 miles southwest and Oliver Inlet State Marine Park about 32 miles northeast.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you see bears at Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park?
Alaska State Parks runs a bear-viewing protocol at the falls on Pavlof Creek from July 1 to September 30: you land on the north side of the creek and watch from a cleared grassy knoll about 75 yards from the falls, with no food near the viewing area.
How do you get to Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park?
By boat or floatplane. There is no road access; the park lies on Chichagof Island about 8 miles northeast of Tenakee Springs, straight-line.
Are there facilities at Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park?
No. The park is undeveloped; besides the cleared viewing knoll there are no facilities, so bring everything you need and keep food in bear-proof containers.
Sources: Alaska State Parks, Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park; Alaska DNR, ASP Park Boundary (open data); USGS GNIS, Pavlof Harbor; Alaska State Parks fee schedule. Last updated: October 2026.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Pavlof Harbor 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 Pavlof Harbor 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 Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
