Eight Fathom Cabin
Eight Fathom Cabin was constructed in 2009. It is located 15 miles from Hoonah, Alaska in the protected waters of Port Frederick. It is generally available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska, offering recreational options and abundant wildlife. The cabin is remote. It is accessible only by boat or float plane. From Hoonah, the boat ride is 45 minutes. By float plane, the flight is 30 minutes from Juneau and less than 10 minutes from Hoonah. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The 15x17-ft. milled cedar log cabin has a sleeping loft and an outside deck. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people and has single over double bunk beds, a table and benches, a cooking counter, a broom and dust pan. A wood burning stove is provided for heat. The beach access trail, first level floor, outside deck and outhouse are handicap-accessible. The outhouse is located close to the cabin.
Drinking water is not available at the cabin. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water, but water is available from a small stream nearby (learn about water safety).
Firewood is not provided. Visitors must bring seasoned dry firewood to burn in the woodstove, in addition to mattresses, cooking gear, sleeping bags, lanterns or flashlights, food,
toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( additional cabin details ). Cutting trees around the cabin site is prohibited.
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.
- 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
- Do not leave food behind when vacating this cabin
- Pack out all gear that you bring
- Commercial use of this cabin, such as outfitting & guiding, is not allowed
- The person holding the reservation must be at least 18 years of age, and must be a member of party using the cabin
- There are no discounts for Golden Age or Golden Access Passports for Alaska cabin rentals
- 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 cabin is built on a spur road edging out onto tidal, estuary flats at the head of Port Frederick. This area offers excellent opportunities for viewing scenery and wildlife, which includes whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. The front deck of the cabin looks out over the tide flats and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest.
Nearby Attractions
Neka Hot Springs
Recreation
The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.
Contact Information
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HOONAH RANGER DISTRICT 430 A AIRPORT ROAD P.O. BOX 135 Hoonah AK 99829
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: (907) 945-3631
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Eight Fathom Cabin is located 15 miles southwest of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the north shore of Eight Fathom Bight at the head of Port Frederick. Access is by float plane or boat only. It is a 45-minute boat ride from Hoonah and approximately a 30-minute flight from Juneau, AK. Flight time from Hoonah is less than 10-minutes. The cabin is at the south end of the isolated Eight Fathom National Forest System road 8580 and within half a mile from the Eight Fathom Marine Access Facility (MAF) float dock. This road system is not connected to the Hoonah Road System and the dock is only accessible by float plane or boat. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin. Once ashore, the cabin is accessed via a short 125-ft barrier free trail.
