Avoss Lake Cabin
Avoss Lake Cabin is situated 35 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska, within the South Baranof Wilderness Area of the Tongass National Forest. The rustic A-frame cabin makes an excellent base for a remote backcountry experience that includes photography and hunting.
The cabin is accessed via a 30-minute float plane trip from Sitka, weather permitting. Visitors cannot access the cabin by helicopter, as it is located in a designated wilderness area. From the lake shore, visitors must walk along a narrow, 150-foot trail through a lightly wooded area to reach the cabin.
Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The A-frame cabin measures 16 by 16 feet. It contains a sleeping loft that is reached by climbing a vertical ladder. The cabin's lower level is furnished with one double plywood bunk and one single plywood bunk (no mattresses), a table and chairs, a cooking counter and a broom. An outhouse toilet is provided.
The cabin is equipped with an oil stove for heat, but oil is not provided. Visitors must bring their own supply of #1 diesel oil (10 gallons for a 3-day stay, more or less depending on the time of year). Transport oil in an FAA-approved container or jerry can in a non-tip box.
Visitors must also 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 and boots.
Water is available from the lake or nearby inlet stream, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended visitors bring their own supply of water. Learn about water safety.
A small but heavy, square-bowed skiff (rowboat) with oars is provided. A long-shaft outboard motor in the 2-10 hp range is highly recommended for use with the skiff, but is not provided. Each person using the skiff should have a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD). Tie the skiff well up on the shore and pull the plug before leaving so the boat does not fill with rain water.
Click here for maps and additional cabin information.
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
- Cabin may be inaccessible from October through mid-June due to frozen lake surface which means float planes cannot land; please contact the local Forest Service Ranger District office for current information prior to making reservations during this period
- Cabin is not maintained in winter
- Treat or boil water before drinking
- Firewood is not provided for outdoor campfires; wood that is dead and down may be gathered
- This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal
- 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
- Learn more about the 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 area offers wilderness solitude and beauty. The cabin sits just off the northern shore of Avoss Lake at an elevation of 800 feet at the edge of a muskeg near an inlet stream to Avoss Lake. The lake is about 1.5 miles long and nearly half a mile wide. The cabin is five miles northeast of Whale Bay on the south central portion of Baranof Island.
Many streams and small channels flow through the surrounding area. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring and summer.
Brown bear frequent the area. Learn about bear safety and precautions.
Recreation
Photography and hunting are favorite activities at Avoss Lake. From July to September, anglers may catch Dolly Varden and rainbow trout, although the fishing is slow.
Deer and mountain goat hunting is possible in season. This area is remote, rugged and surrounded by steep, mountainous terrain. Plan hunting trips accordingly.
For information about fishing and hunting 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 early June through October. Located 35 air miles southeast of Sitka, east of Whale Bay, within South Baranof Wilderness Area. Access by floatplane takes 35 minutes from Sitka. This cabin is in a designated wilderness area; access by helicopter is illegal.
For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic map Port Alexander C-3.
