Harvey Lake Cabin
Tongass National Forest
Harvey Lake Cabin is open year-round and sits on a beautiful, off-coast freshwater lake and provides access to great boating, fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities.
The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane. Visitors arriving by boat must hike a half-mile from saltwater to get to the cabin. It is 18 miles from Petersburg by air and 21 miles by boat. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The A-frame cabin has two single wooden bunks, a sleeping loft for additional people, a wood
stove, a large deck overlooking the lake and an outhouse with a pit toilet.
Firewood is generally provided, but is not guaranteed. A broom, dustpan, axe and splitting maul may also be available, but could be missing or damaged.
Drinking water is not provided. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply, but water can also be collected from the lake or a nearby creek. Any
water from natural sources should be treated or boiled before using.
Guests need to bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove and cooking gear, towels, food, clothing and garbage bags, among other necessities. All trash and food must
be packed out, and visitors are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Click here for more cabin details and maps.
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
- Be prepared to boil or treat any water taken from the lake for consumption
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
- Firewood at the cabin is supplied only for heating the cabin, it is not for outdoor campfires; collect dead and down wood from the forest for your outdoor campfire
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Please report any missing or damaged items to the Petersburg Ranger District
- 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 located on Woewodski Island near Duncan Canal. It is situated at the west end of Harvey Lake at an elevation of 100 feet. The surrounding terrain is forested hills.
Woewodski Island has a long history of mining, with remnants of mines and current exploratory activities located throughout the area.
A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including grouse, black bears, deer, moose and waterfowl. Visitors are asked to be considerate of the state's abundant biology and practice wildlife etiquette.
Recreation
The Harvey Lake Trail is an easy half-mile trek leading from saltwater to Harvey Lake, following Harvey Creek. The trailhead can be difficult to locate. It is east of a small islet and south of the private cabins. Look for the red and white trailhead marker on the beach, then walk northward to an opening on the right through woods. The land north of the trailhead is private. Please respect the rights of property owners.
The cabin is located near a picnic site with a sandy beach and swimming area. Boating and fishing are also popular activities enjoyed by visitors to the area. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin; however, life jackets are not provided. Visitors may wish to bring a small outboard motor. Anglers might see cutthroat trout in the lake and coho salmon near the mouth of Harvey Creek in early fall.
Hunting in the surrounding hills is also popular among visitors. Be aware of wildlife in the area and learn about bear safety.
Contact Information
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PO BOX 1328 PETERSBURG AK 99833
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-772-3871
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
By float plane from Petersburg, it is 18 miles. In fall, winter and early spring, this cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land); please contact the Petersburg Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
By boat from Petersburg, it is 21 miles, plus a half-mile hike to the cabin. If arriving by boat, there is a red and white diamond-shaped marker at the trailhead. The best boat mooring is 50 yards south of the marker. Boats will go dry at low tide unless anchored in the hole south of the trailhead (local tide tables).
Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg C4. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
Available Campsites
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