166ELFIN CaVE
The small village of Elfin Cove lies in a beautiful setting on the south
si de of Cross Sound and it is well worth visiting if one has Giacier Bay on
one's itinerary. But though it is close, one must go through either North or
South Inian Pass to leave Icy Straìt for Cross Sound. The raute through Narth
Inian Pass is longer but it has less current than South Inian Passo A good
anchorage, Inian Cove, is on the north side of the Inian Islands. Anchor in
the wide end of the cove, where a mooring buoy and dolphins are in pIace. A
prominent light, North Inian Pass Light, is on the northwest poìnt of the next
small island to t~e west.
$outh Inian Pass is the shorter and more attractive route to Elfin Cove.
It should be traversed near slack, for the current can be strong (appraaching 9
knots on the ebb), and when a westerly wind opposes the ebb severe tidai rips
and steep waves and swirls occur at the ~estern end of the passo At times this
may make the passage extremely difficult.
Point Lavinia is marked by a light and is the southerly paint af the
western entrance to South Inian Passo Elfin Cave is in a small inlet in the
north shore of the Inian Peninsula south of Point lavinia. A large island,
with a couple of smaller ones nearby, lies at the entrance to the cove. One
can pass on either side of the large is1and. The eastern entrance leads
directly into the outer harbor of Elfin Cave. This is where most transient
vessels lie. Rafting may be necessary, since the float is on1y 200 feet long,
though vesse1s can moor on either side. A seaplane landing is at the tip. A
long wharf connects the float to the share. No facilities, except water,are
available.
Another dock is to the west, behind the large island, and fuel may be
obtained here. Fish buyers transact business at this dock. Beyond this float
a route via a narrow dredged channel (the Gut) leads into the inner harbor.
Most of the fishing vessels berth here. The channel should be entered at or
near high water as it is only 40 feet wide and has a controlling depth of 8
feet. Markers indicate the route.
The village of Elfin Cove Is clustered around the edge of the harbors.
Most of the houses, the Post Office, the general stare, and the laundry are
close to the boardwalk which is built up along the steep, rocky edges of the
cove. Some vacation homes are adding to the structures around the boardwalk.
The permanent summer population is about 30, increased due to fishing boats
based here, and with ather transient visitors. However, in winter the cave
falls back to a quieter life and less than a dozen or so people remain.Sitting at the outer end of the dock and looking across ta Brady Glacier
beneath the talI peaks of Glacier Bay the lure that takes many people north
seems alI too clear.