Control Lake Cabin
Control Lake Cabin, built in 1969, offers guests recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience in the central portion of Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin.
The site can either be accessed by vehicle and then paddling in by boat or by float plane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin is large multi-room structure that once served as the Ranger District office. It is furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) and some rustic log furniture. It can accommodate up to six guests.
The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include cooking counters, an axe, splitting maul and a broom. Firewood may be available, but the supply cannot be guaranteed.
The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, matches, 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 available 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
- 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
- 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 sits in a grassy area just off the shore of Control Lake. The shoreline is surrounded by a scattering of sparse lodgepole pines with muskeg openings extended for several miles west of the lake.
Wildlife in the area abounds, including a variety of waterfowl and insects in neighboring ponds, eagles, marten, mink, otter, Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.
Nearby Attractions
It is an easy 18 mile drive to lower Thorne River, which has excellent fishing, boating, hiking trails, wildlife viewing areas and day-use areas.
Recreation
Anglers will find Control Lake to be a scenic setting for fishing. The lake supports healthy populations of cutthroat trout, dolly varden and sockeye salmon.
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.
Guests are welcome to use the aluminum skiff with oars available at the cabin, but are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices.
Contact Information
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KETCHIKAN/THORNE BAY AK
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
From State Highway 929, Control Lake Cabin is located 41 road miles from Hollis, 20 road miles from Craig and 15 miles from Thorne Bay. From Highway 929, access to the cabin is about a 20 minute boat paddle away. An aluminum skiff with oars is provided by the Forest Service. The boat can use a long shaft motor, though it is not provided. Please pull skiff up on dock and pull plug. The cabin is also accessible by float plane; although in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface. Click here for information about reaching Forest Service Cabins. Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip 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 Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 prior to arrival for more detailed information about safety precautions.
