Josephine Lake Cabin
Josephine Lake Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site is located at an elevation of 1,800 feet and offers a scenic setting for fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, within the vicinity of the cabin.
The site is accessible by float plane only. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin is a 12 x 12 - foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin (pan-abode style) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to six people. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, an oil 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, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, #1 diesel stove oil, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags.
Water is available from the lake, but must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. 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
- Water is not provided at this facility; visitors must bring their own for drinking, cooking, and cleaning; water from natural sources must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking
- Guests must bring their own cooking stove and fuel
- Guests must bring #1 diesel stove oil
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Click here for a map of cabins on Prince of Wales Island
- The person holding the reservation must be 18, and must be a member of party using the cabin
- Check in and check out are at 12 p.m.
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is prohibited
- Same day reservation are available for this cabin
- No discounts for Golden Age and Golden Passports for Alaska cabin rentals
- 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 on the shores of Josephine Lake, a cold, clear alpine lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks reaching elevations of 4,000 feet. The terrain is rugged with a mixture of stunted trees and alpine vegetation. Wildflowers dot the area in mid-summer.
Wildlife in the area is abundant, including Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.
The area is famous for its quartz and epidote crystals. Several mining claims are nearby, including some that are active, and others that have been idle for some time. Visitors are asked to please respect the property rights of private landowners and note that prospecting, digging, or collecting mineral specimens on the private land near Josephine Lake is prohibited.
Recreation
There are no fish in Josephine Lake, but hiking, hunting and wildlife viewing are popular pastimes for visitors to the cabin. The alpine terrain is quite stunning, showcasing a display of wildflowers in mid-summer.
Boating or kayaking on the lake offers a peaceful setting for viewing wildlife in the area. An aluminum skiff with oars available for use. Guests are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices.
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 Josephine Lake Cabin is by float plane only. The trip is 28 air miles from Craig and 38 air miles from Ketchikan. Guests must walk 75 yards uphill from the lake, which sits at an elevation of 1,800 feet. Refer to USGS maps Craig A-2 and B-2 for more information.
Visitors should be aware that in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible to float planes due to a frozen lake surface. Check with air charter companies on the status of the lake surface if reserving the cabin before June.
Inclement weather conditions may cause extended stays during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days Please contact the Craig Ranger District at 907-826-3271 prior to arrival for more detailed information about safety precautions.
