Pavlof Harbor State Marine Park is located on Chicagof Island. Chicagof Island hosts the Alaskan communities of Hoonah, Pelican, Tenakee Springs, and Elfin Cove, all lying in the northern reaches of the island. The main commerce on Chicagof is centered around a water-based local economy consisting of guided hunting trips, fishing, and logging.

Named after Admiral Vasili Chichagov, a Russian Arctic explorer, Chichagof Island is 75 miles long and 50 miles at over 2,000 square miles is the fifth largest island in the United States and the 109th largest island in the world. Lying to the north of Baranof Island, the Chicagof Island is surrounded by Chatham Strait to the east, Icy Strait to the northeast, Cross Sound to the northwest, the Gulf of Alaska to the west and Peril Strait to the south.

Pavlof Harbor Use/Bear viewing protocol between July 1st and Sept 30th

• When approaching Pavlof creek only land boats and off load people on the north side (to the right as you look towards the waterfall).

• Do not take boats or watercraft any closer than 75 yards of the falls.

• To get closer to the falls by land walk the top edge of the north beach on the well-defined path below the line of alders or the firm trail just inside the margin of the woods until arriving at the grassy knoll which has been brushed and cleared as a viewing area, about 75 yards from the Falls.

• • From early July through September 30 do not proceed past this point, whether on the edge of the creek/beach, or in the woods, and regardless of whether bears are seen or not. Do not approach within 75 yards of the Falls, whether on the water or on land from any direction. Also do not walk to Pavlof Lake from this direction. If you would like to access the lake between early July and the end of September please get in touch with State Parks personnel and we will work with you to identify an alternate route that does not take you to within 75 yards of the falls area.
    
    

• Leave all paddles, life vests, and other boat equipment inside each boat on the beach when not occupied, and keep day packs and other personal items with you at all times ashore.

• Food may not be consumed at or near the viewing area. Please consume all food, including snack bars, on the beach at least 200 yards from the Falls.

• Never leave food unattended on the beach or in boats unless it is secured in a bear proof container.