Black Bear Lake Cabin (Tongass National Forest, AK)
Black Bear Lake Cabin offers recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic, mountainous setting for fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing.
Access to the cabin is by floatplane only. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The 12x12-ft primitive, pre-cut cedar, pan-abode style log cabin sleeps up to six people on wooden bunkbeds without mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, cupboard space and a broom.
The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, Bio brick compressed logs for the woodstove, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove and fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, lantern or flashlights, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water is available from the lake, but must be treated before being used.
An aluminum skiff with oars available for use, however visitors are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices. Click here for more cabin details.
Need to Know
- This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
- Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
- The lake is usually ice free from mid-June to September; from October to mid-June, the cabin may be inaccessible to floatplanes due to a frozen lake surface
- Water is not available at the cabin; visitors must bring their own for drinking, cooking and cleaning, or treat any water from natural sources
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is allowed through arrangements with the Permit Administrator on a limited basis. Call (907) 826-3271 to arrange.
- Same day reservation are available for this cabin
- Learn more about Tongass National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin is situated at an elevation of 1,700 feet, 20 yards from the shoreline of Black Bear Lake, a cold, clear lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks reaching elevations of 4,000 feet. The terrain is rugged with a mixture of old-growth forest and alpine vegetation. The high mountains and alpine terrain is quite stunning, showcasing a display of wildflowers in mid-summer.
Wildlife in the area is abundant, including Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears.
A hydroelectric project was constructed at the north end of the lake in 1995. The project now provides power to several communities on the island. The lake level varies, but is still a popular destination.
Recreation
Anglers will find fair fishing on a resident population of rainbow trout. Boating or kayaking on the lake offers a peaceful setting for viewing wildlife in the area.
Hunters can take advantage of the long hunting season in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through the late fall.
Contact Information
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P.O. BOX 500 CRAIG AK 99921
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Access to Bear Lake Cabin is by floatplane only, 50 air miles from Ketchikan. Visitors must walk 20 yards from the lake to the cabin. Refer to USGS map Craig C-3.
