Checats Lake Cabin

Anglers targeting remote lake fishing will find Checats Lake Cabin positioned within the expansive Tongass National Forest in southeastern Alaska. This Forest Service-managed accommodation requires advance reservations and maintains a strict no-pets policy. The cabin provides access to Checats Lake's fishing opportunities while serving as a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Campers seeking additional options in this region can explore camping spots around Tongass National Forest. The Winstanley Island Cabin sits 3.8 miles southwest for those planning multi-day lake-hopping adventures.

Description

Overview

Checats Lake Cabin is located on the mainland just south of Rudyerd Bay, within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. The rustic and secluded retreat offers year-round relaxation, sightseeing and recreation opportunities in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage. The site can be accessed by float plane, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Fishing is rated as very good for rainbow trout up to 24 inches (60 cm). Hunting for mountain goat, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear and brown bear is possible with proper permits. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for exploring the lake, but guests must bring their own life jackets.

Facilities

This 12-by-12 cabin ( pan-abode style ) has two single bunks and two double bunks, to accommodate up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. The cabin features a skylight. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply. Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits on a little knoll, at the outlet of Upper Checats Lake near Checats Creek. The area surrounding the lake is heavily forested. Guests can see the steep, rocky cliff faces that surround the lake on three sides. Black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats are all common in the surrounding area (click here to learn about bear safety).

Fee Info

Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.

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Location

Public Campground

Checats Lake Cabin is located in Alaska

Directions

The cabin is located approximately 45 miles northeast of Ketchikan on the mainland south of Rudyerd Bay. Accessible by float plane only. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger office prior to making reservation during these periods. This cabin is in designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. Refer to USGS topographic map for Ketchikan B-3.