Tongass National Forest provides rustic cabin accommodations across Prince of Wales Island and nearby areas. Forest Service cabins near Point Baker, Alaska offer primitive lodging with limited amenities in remote settings. The cabins require substantial planning due to their isolated locations, challenging access routes, and lack of services.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Red Bay Lake offers seasonal fishing with varying conditions. Access requires proper preparation as the lake can present challenges for anglers without motorized boats.
Wildlife watching: The north end of Prince of Wales Island hosts diverse wildlife viewable from several cabins. Devils Elbow Cabin provides strategic positioning for wildlife observation, particularly during morning and evening hours.
Exploring waterways: Kah Sheets Bay Cabin provides access to both saltwater and freshwater environments. Visitors can explore the interconnected bay and lake system by boat, experiencing multiple ecosystems within relatively short distances.
Hiking nearby trails: The boardwalk trails provide access to several cabins and offer hiking opportunities through coastal temperate rainforest. El Cap Cabin serves as a good base for exploring local terrain with established paths that can be navigated without specialized equipment.
What campers like
Separation from civilization: The isolation factor ranks high among visitor experiences. Castle River Cabin provides genuine seclusion with minimal probability of encountering other people during most visits.
Lake views: Several cabins offer direct water views from their porches or windows. Positioning allows visitors to monitor changing weather conditions and wildlife movement across water bodies.
Simple amenities: The basic cabin infrastructure meets essential needs without unnecessary complications. Visitors appreciate the functional simplicity of wood stoves, basic sleeping platforms, and minimalist design that focuses on durability rather than luxury.
Opportunities for solitude: Salmon Bay Lake Cabin provides genuine isolation, allowing visitors to experience Alaska without technological distractions or noise pollution. The cabin's location offers natural quiet interrupted only by wildlife and weather.
What you should know
Access logistics: Most cabins require combinations of driving, hiking, and boating to reach. Some access routes involve boardwalk trails followed by lake crossings, necessitating boat transportation arrangements.
Supply requirements: All food, bedding, cooking equipment, and other essentials must be packed in. No potable water exists at cabin sites, requiring visitors to either carry water or bring reliable treatment methods for lake or stream water.
Reservation system: Bookings must be made through the National Recreation Reservation System, with cabins available up to six months in advance. Popular cabins and prime summer weekends fill quickly, especially during salmon runs or hunting seasons.
Weather preparedness: Shipley Bay Cabin and other coastal accommodations experience rapidly changing conditions typical of Southeast Alaska, including sustained rainfall, fog, and wind. Visitors need appropriate clothing and equipment for extended wet weather regardless of season.
Tips for camping with families
Cabin space considerations: Most cabins accommodate 6-8 people on wooden bunks or platforms. Families should plan sleeping arrangements accordingly, recognizing that cabin interiors provide limited space for gear storage.
Safety protocols: Wildlife safety measures should be strictly followed, including proper food storage and waste management. Children require supervision near water bodies, particularly around dock areas.
Activity planning: Bring board games, cards, and other non-electronic entertainment for evenings and potential weather delays. Kah Sheets Lake Cabin offers protected areas near the cabin suitable for family activities during inclement weather.
Transportation accommodations: Families with younger children should carefully assess trail conditions and boat transportation requirements. Some access routes involve boardwalks with steps and uneven surfaces that can challenge those carrying gear while managing children.
Tips from RVers
Cabin access limitations: No cabins provide direct RV access. Vehicles must be parked at designated trailheads or launch points, sometimes considerable distances from the cabins themselves.
Pre-trip planning: Secure all permits and cabin reservations well in advance. RV travelers should identify suitable parking locations at trailheads, which may have limited space and facilities.
Supply transfer logistics: RV travelers must transfer necessary supplies from vehicles to boats or backpacks for cabin transport. Prioritize lightweight, compact gear when transitioning from vehicle to human-powered transportation.
