Patching Lake Cabin

Summary

Patching Lake Cabin near Ketchikan, Alaska, is a remote cabin accessible only by float plane. It is open year-round and provides visitors with a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, with a variety of recreational activities to enjoy, like boating, fishing and hunting. It has no electricity or indoor plumbing, and visitors should bring their own amenities.

Overview

Patching Lake Cabin sits on the north end of Patching Lake near the inlet of the Naha River 20 miles from Ketchikan, Alaska. The cabin is open year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska with its recreation options and abundant wildlife.

The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane, depending on conditions. This primitive cabin has 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.

Recreation

Boating, fishing and hunting are popular activities at this cabin. Resident cutthroat trout are available in Patching and Chamberlain Lakes, but there is no access trail to Chamberlain Lake from the cabin. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for rowing around the lake, but visitors must provide their own life jackets. The skiff can use a short shaft motor, which is not provided.

Facilities

The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) log cabin accommodates 6 people with 2 single and 2 double bunks. Other amenities include a table and benches, a cooking counter, food storage, broom, splitting maul, and an outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heat. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed. Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own water supply, but water is also available from a nearby creek, but should be treated before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety ). Visitors should also bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, 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 their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving (additional cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits at the lake's edge, backed by a rainforest of old-growth cedar, Sitka spruce and western hemlock. This is a beautiful location where the Naha River flows from Chamberlain Lake into Patching Lake. Visitors can stand on the front deck and gaze out over the lake and the surrounding forest and mountains or explore the area from the gravel bar in front of the cabin.

Wildlife includes Sitka black-tail deer, black bear, beaver and wolf (bear safety and precautions). Geese and trumpeter swans are often seen on the lake.