Avoss Lake Cabin

Overview

Avoss Lake Cabin is situated 35 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska, within the South Baranof Wilderness Area of the Tongass National Forest. The rustic A-frame cabin makes an excellent base for a remote backcountry experience that includes photography and hunting. The cabin is accessed via a 30-minute float plane trip from Sitka, weather permitting. Visitors cannot access the cabin by helicopter, as it is located in a designated wilderness area. From the lake shore, visitors must walk along a narrow, 150-foot trail through a lightly wooded area to reach the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Photography and hunting are favorite activities at Avoss Lake. From July to September, anglers may catch Dolly Varden and rainbow trout, although the fishing is slow. Deer and mountain goat hunting is possible in season. This area is remote, rugged and surrounded by steep, mountainous terrain. Plan hunting trips accordingly. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Facilities

The A-frame cabin measures 16 by 16 feet. It contains a sleeping loft that is reached by climbing a vertical ladder. The cabin's lower level is furnished with one double plywood bunk and one single plywood bunk (no mattresses), a table and chairs, a cooking counter and a broom. An outhouse toilet is provided. The cabin is equipped with an oil stove for heat, but oil is not provided. Visitors must bring their own supply of #1 diesel oil (10 gallons for a 3-day stay, more or less depending on the time of year). Transport oil in an FAA-approved container or jerry can in a non-tip box. Visitors must also bring sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, fire starter, rain gear and boots. Water is available from the lake or nearby inlet stream, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended visitors bring their own supply of water. Learn about water safety. A small but heavy, square-bowed skiff (rowboat) with oars is provided. A long-shaft outboard motor in the 2-10 hp range is highly recommended for use with the skiff, but is not provided. Each person using the skiff should have a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD). Tie the skiff well up on the shore and pull the plug before leaving so the boat does not fill with rain water. Click here for maps and additional cabin information.

Natural Features

The area offers wilderness solitude and beauty. The cabin sits just off the northern shore of Avoss Lake at an elevation of 800 feet at the edge of a muskeg near an inlet stream to Avoss Lake. The lake is about 1.5 miles long and nearly half a mile wide. The cabin is five miles northeast of Whale Bay on the south central portion of Baranof Island. Many streams and small channels flow through the surrounding area. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring and summer. Brown bear frequent the area. Learn about bear safety and precautions.