Overview
Winstanley Island Cabin is located on Winstanley Island approximately 30 air miles east of Ketchikan. The cabin offers saltwater recreation and wildlife viewing opportunities and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska. The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. This primitive cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
A number of scenic attractions can be reached by boat or kayak from Winstanley Island Cabin, including Walker Cove, Chickamin River, Smeaton Bay, New Eddystone Rock and the Behm Canal. Rudyerd Bay is a good day trip for adventurous sea kayakers. Local tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion. Hiking trails to freshwater streams and lakes and various hunting areas are accessible by boat, including Winstanley Lake (#743), Checats (#704), Ella (#70), Manzanita (#721) and Nooya Lake (#724). Saltwater fishing is possible around the cabin.
Natural Features
The cabin is located on Shoalwater Pass, which is on the east side of Behm Canal between Rudyerd and Smeaton Bays within the Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness. It is surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and spruce, hemlock and cedar forest. The Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, moose and bald eagles make their home here (bear safety). The waters host a variety of aquatic mammals, including Dall's porpoise, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters and harbor seals. Many seabirds can also be seen.