Red Bay Lake Cabin
Tongass National Forest
Red Bay Lake Cabin offers visitors a unique Alaskan lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island. Situated on the northern part of the island, the remote site provides a scenic setting for recreation and relaxation in the Tongass National Forest.
Access to the site is by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin is a 15 x 17-foot, two-story, log cabin (pan-abode style) furnished with a sleeping loft and wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to eight guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outdoor toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, counter space, fire extinguisher, axe, splitting maul and a broom.
The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags.
Firewood may be available, but the supply cannot be guaranteed. Guests are asked to be conservative with wood and use their cook stoves for cooking. Water is available from nearby creeks and lakes, 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, isallowed through arrangements with the Permit Administrator on a limited basis. Call (907) 826-3271 to arrange
- 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 on the forested shore of Red Bay Lake. The lake is lined with old-growth spruce, hemlock and cedar trees, with a dense understory of brush and rocky outcroppings. Visible from the cabin, the vertical wall of Red Bay Mountain rises 3,000 feet in elevation along with neighboring limestone peaks.
Wildlife in the area abounds, including loons, eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer and black bears. (Learn more about bear safety in the Tongass National Forest.)
Recreation
Fishing opportunities are abundant in the area surrounding the cabin. The fish most noted include coho, pink, chum, and sockeye salmon, steelhead, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden. The cabin is also an excellent location for sport fishing in the Red Bay Creek drainage.
The cabin provides an aluminum skiff with oars available at the cabin, and guests may choose to bring a long shaft motor for boat use. Guests are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices.
Red Bay Lake Trail extends from the trailhead on Forest Road #20 to a row boat at the north end of Red Bay Lake, providing visitors an access option other than aircraft. For visitors hiking into Red Bay Lake Cabin, this 3/4 mile trail accesses the row boat that is used to reach the cabin. Rowing across the lake takes approximately 1 hour. The scenic trail is mostly boardwalk and winds between large cedar trees and crossing over a stream.
Contact Information
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PO BOX 19001 THORNE BAY AK 99919
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and Petersburg B-4.
The trailhead to access the cabin is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Hollis or 2 hours from Thorne Bay on Forest Road #20. From the trailhead, the 3/4 mile hike proceeds on a board walk through large cedar trees to a boat provided by the Forest Service on the lake. Visitors must then row 1.5 miles to reach their final destination.
By plane, Red Bay Lake is located 40 air miles from Wrangell, 55 miles from Craig and 84 miles from Ketchikan. Visitors must note, however, that 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.
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