The Ankau is a coastal lagoon and estuary system located near Yakutat, Alaska, characterized by a maze-like network of waterways where saltwater from Yakutat Bay meets freshwater from Summit Lake, an area locally known as the Ankau Saltchucks. The primary and clearly defined access point for paddlers is at the Ankau Bridge, located four miles from town on Ocean Cape Road, where a spacious parking area on the south side of the bridge allows for a short carry to launch below the bridge. This estuary system offers several route options; paddlers can travel east into Monti Bay, west into the tidal Saltchucks, or south toward Kardy Lake. Navigating this area requires significant caution as it is easy to become disoriented in the complex channels. Paddlers must pay extremely close attention to the tides, as the area features reversing tidal rapids, and using a map or GPS is essential. The land beyond the Ankau Bridge is privately owned, and paddlers should be respectful of private property and the nearby community cemetery, considering areas beyond the bridge off-limits to vehicle traffic. The overall paddling experience is one of exploration through a productive tidal wetland, but it demands careful planning. Consulting the U.S. Forest Service Yakutat Ranger District office for pre-trip information is strongly advised. Wildlife is abundant, with the area being a critical habitat for many bird species and marine life. The water body is directly connected to the historic Yakutat to Dry Bay Ancestral Lingit Canoe Route, though changes in topography mean the full historic route is not currently recommended for through travel.