138PORTAGE BAY
This protected and very pIeasant anchorage Iies on the south side of
Frederick Sound, indenting Kupreanof IsIand. It is very different from the
bays that lie on the other side of the Sound, ~ith their glaciers coming down
to sea level. Portage Bay provides a go od stop far vessels proceeding roughly
east or west along Frederick Sound to or from Petersburg.
The low points that lie each side of the, entrance are marked by the two
smalI Portage Islets roughIy 3/4 of a mile ~est of the entrance. On the east
si de the mountains of the Missionary Range rise between the bay and Petersburg,
and some 5 no",' usua11y remains on them throughout the year.
Stay about a mile offshore, and when the entrance is clear begin the
approach. Both East and West Points project into the opening with shoals that
reduce the useful passage to about 500 feet. The tidal flm .. ' into and out of
the fairIy long bay can attain considerable velocities at times. However,
except at the maximum tides vessels can enter, and usually use a natura 1 range
to guide the vessel into the channel.
East Point has a light on a tower with a green daymark. The tip of the
grassy verge should be aligned on Hook Paint (~ith a gap in the trees and a hut
now hidden in undergrowth), and on a lo~ peak behind--as shown in the sketch.
Follow this bearing tilI at the entrance, round ~est Point first, then East
Point, staying about mid-channeI. West Point has a red daybeacon on it. Once
in the bay, past East Point there is a large shoaI bay to the west, and a
booming ground to the east. One can anchor in about 5 fathoms in this area of
the booming ground. However, better anchorage is further in.
A prominent Iogging camp Iies on the east side about a mile and half into
the inlet. Anchor in the middIe of the bay, slightly beyond the camp, in about
4 to 6 fathoms. Do not go too clase to the shoreline. The main part of the
bay i5 large enough to accommodate many boats.Further into the bay Stop Isiand marks the beginning of shoal1ing, and this
part of the bay is named Gaose Bay. Harrington Rock is about a quarter mile
north of Stop Island.The village of Kake is about 12 miles west of Point Gardner at the entrance
to Frederick Sound, and about 15 miles ~est of Portage Bay. Kake has public
floats, stores, lodges, and other servìces. It also has the ' ... ;orld's "tallest"
totem pale which is visible from ~eII offshore. The village is at the entrance
to Keku Strait, but the use of this route is not recommended. ApparentIy alI
navigational markers have been removed by the (oast Guard ~hich i5 not
encouraging the use of this dangerous passage.