Prince of Wales Island Wildlife Viewing
El Capitan Cave

photo of El Capitan Cave area wildlife A variety of wildlife uses the El Capitan Cave for shelter. River otters follow a scent trail to find their den in the darkness. Otter tracks are sometimes visible and their fur can be seen on the gate. Two species of brown bats seek shelter in the cave during the winter. Small cave-adapted organisms such as amphipods, collembolans and mites are found in the small pools. Bears have used the cave for thousands of years, with remains of brown bear dating back over 12,000 years. Wolverine, caribou and red fox fossils have also been found. A 370-step staircase leads to the cave entrance.

Habitat

El Capitan is one of over 600 caves on Prince of Wales Island. For more information about caves, visit the USDA Forest Service website at http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/pow/discover/caves/caves_karst.shtml

Species

  • Bats
  • River Otter

Hints

USDA Forest Service naturalists will point out signs of wildlife use and answer questions about how wildlife uses the cave.

Facilities

  • Hiking Trails

Notes

Caves are fragile and dangerous areas, and independent visits to El Capitan are not allowed. The USDA Forest Service runs free naturalist-guided cave tours in the summer (reservations required). Call the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 to reserve a spot.

Plan to spend at least: 2 hours

Best Months

█ Best Month

  • January
  • February
  • March
  • April
  • Best Month May
  • Best Month June
  • Best Month July
  • Best Month August
  • Best Month September
  • October
  • November
  • December

Directions

The trailhead for El Capitan Cave is on FH 15, near the intersection with FH 20. There are a few directional signs for the cave along FH 20.

Contact

USDA Forest Service, Thorne Bay Ranger District - (907) 828-3304 or http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/districts/pow/index.shtml

Additional Information

Living with Bears