El Capitan Cave is the longest mapped cave in Alaska with over 2 miles of passage mapped from the main entrance. To see this cave, visitors should contact the Forest Service for a no-cost guided tour during the summer months. The tour meets near the parking lot and leads visitors on a somewhat strenuous 1,100-foot hike up a long, steep stairway (370 steps) to an elevation of 250 feet and the platform at the mouth of the cave. The tour then proceeds inside the cave for approximately 500 feet and includes information about cave and karst geology and archeological discoveries. The tour lasts approximately two hours. To reserve a cave tour call the Thorne Bay Ranger District at (907) 828-3304 at least two days in advance.

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.

Directions:

To reach El Capitan Cave follow Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Service Road 15 and take a left for about a mile to the parking area for the cave. Watch for signs. From both Coffman Cove, Thorne Bay, and Craig it is an estimated three-hour drive.

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: None

Species Checklist:

• Coffman Cove checklist

Other Resources:

• US Forest Service: El Cap Cave Interpretive Site 
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: El Capitan Cave