186PORT PROTECfION
An alternate approach to Shakan Bay and El Capitan Passage is from the
southern end of Wrangell ~arrows by going west down Sumner Strait. Several
isolated rocks, marked by buoys, act as mileposts along the way. The chart is
the best guide. At Point Baker (the northwest tip of Prince of Wales Island),
Sumner Strait changes to a north-south orientation. Acros5 the strait to the
north is the exit Qf Keku Strait which connects Sumner Strait to Frederick
Sound, but alI navigational aids have been removed.
Point Baker is a small fi5hing community having a state-operated 8mall
craft float in the harbor, which 1s in the gap between False Island and the
northwest tip of Prince of Wales Island. Enter only from the north, between
Point Baker light (with a red and white daybeacon to the west) and Point Baker
anchorage daybeacon (on a smaller island to the east). Postal services, fuel,
water, and provisions are available. A narrow, very shallow dinghy passage
carries on behind False Island and Joe Mace Island to join Port Protection.
About 3/4 of a mile northwest of Point Baker i5 the belI buay marking Helm
Rock. The buoy is 10cated about 1/4 mile north of the rock. At time5 there
are heavy tidal rlps and swirls around the rock -- small vessels would do well
to avoid this rip. 5mall craft can pass between the rock and Paint Baker.
Port Protection i5 a large bay opening about l 1/2 miles south of Point
Baker. The same name is given to a small community in a well sheltered cove.
The southern entrance point of the port is Protection Head which is a bold
landmark visible from severa1 mi1es. Port Protection light is on a red and
white daymark on the point of an island on the north side of Wooden Wheel Cove.
Note the detached reef with a daybeacon on it about 1/2 mile south of Joe Mace
Island. Vessels can pass it on either side, giving the reef a wide berth.
Wooden Wheel Cove is boot-shaped. The toe of the boot faces southwest and
lies behind Jackson Island. In this small, well protected area are floats and
buildings. The 250-foot pub1ic float is in the southern corner, unconnected to
the shore. The southern end i5 reserved for sea planes, but vessels can moor
on either side of the remainder. There is deep ~ater a10ngside. At the
seaplane end is a small, open household mai! box that is marked "letters."Severa 1 private floats are around the rim of the cave. The large 10g cabin
at the end of the largest float contains a small store. This a very pretty and
peacefu1 setting, especially if one has come in to avoid the slop outside in
5umner Strait. One could anchor in the cave or further down the bay of Port
Protection on the east side behind the islands. Log booms are moored there.Many places (including Port Protectior,) were named by Captain George
Vancouver who surveyed in this area in the summer of 1793. The port itself
received its name because the "Discovery" and "Chatham" sheltered here from a
severe storm in 5umner Strait.ilote. A,PP!lOA.CH Hl.aM I<JE..Afl.
POllOJ'T