Goulding Lake Cabin
Tongass National Forest
Goulding Lake Cabin is located on the northwest shore of Otter Lake on the western edge of Chichagof Island, 60 miles northwest of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin, an A-frame with a sleeping loft, is available from late May through October and makes an excellent base to explore nearby lakes and high alpine meadows.
This is a remote cabin that can be accessed only by floatplane, weather permitting. The flight is 50 minutes from Sitka or Juneau. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.
There is no boat provided at the lake. Cabin guests may want to bring a packraft or other type of inflatable watercraft to explore the area.
The A-frame cabin measures 16 by 16-ft. and accommodates six people. Its sleeping loft (with no bunks) is reached by climbing a vertical ladder. One double-size plywood bunkbed is located on the lower level. A table with benches, a cooking counter, cupboard, wood stove for heat, axe or splitting maul, a broom, an outdoor screened cooler box and an outhouse toilet are provided.
The cabin does not include mattresses or cooking gear. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, fire starter, rain gear, rubber boots and personal flotation devices (PFDs).
Water is available from a nearby stream and from the lake but must be treated before using. It's recommended that visitors bring their own water.
Click here for more cabin information and maps.
Notifications and Alerts
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
- Access by floatplane only; this cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal
- Cabin may be inaccessible from November through early May due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land); please contact the local Forest Service Ranger District office for current information prior to making reservations during these periods
- Boil or treat water before drinking
- Firewood may be in short supply at any time of the year, but is generally provided
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- For boat or air charters, contact the Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau at 907-747-5940 or online
- 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 area offers wilderness solitude and beauty. Goulding Lake Cabin is located in a flat, lightly wooded area on the northwest shore of Otter Lake, on the western edge of Chichagof Island within the West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area.
The surrounding terrain varies from open muskegs to densely forested steep slopes. A topographic map of the area is a must for exploration of nearby lakes and high alpine meadows. Brown bear frequent the area.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy exploring Otter Lake and Goulding Lake to the east. The two lakes are connected. A boat is not currently available at the cabin. To aid exploring area waters, visitors should bring a pack raft or other type of inflatable boat. Fishing is possible but slow in the area. Cutthroat trout can be caught below the falls and in the lower lake west of the cabin all year. Dolly Varden fishing is year round, while steelhead and coho are seasonal. Photography opportunities abound.
For information about fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Contact Information
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SITKA RANGER DISTRICT 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD SITKA AK 99835
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-747-6671
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Accessible late May through October. Otter Lake, one of four lakes in the Goulding Lakes System, is located about 60 miles northwest of Sitka on the western edge of Chichagof Island. Access is by floatplane only, about a 50-minute flight from Sitka or Juneau. Refer to USGS topographic map Sitka D-7.
Available Campsites
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