Swan Lake Cabin Petersburg
Available for reservation year-round via Recreation.gov. The lake is typically frozen from November through early June, limiting access to helicopter only during winter months; contact float plane operators to confirm lake conditions before booking. The facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. Guests must supply their own heating oil and pack out all garbage.
Special Weather Statement issued October 2 at 9:10PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
A stronger weather system is expected to move into the panhandle Saturday into Sunday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain. The peak of heavier rainfall is forecast overnight Saturday, when rain rates could exceed 0.15 inches per hour. The most significant rainfall is anticipated to continue at any given location for a period of 12-18 hours before decreasing. Total rainfall accumulations for the event are expected to be between 1.5 and 3.0 inches, with the greatest amounts in the central panhandle. Upwards of 5 inches is possible for higher elevations. Due to the short nature of the heavier rainfall, smaller creeks and streams will rise quickly, but are not expected to flood.
Special Weather Statement issued October 2 at 1:45PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
A stronger system is expected to move into the panhandle Saturday into Sunday, bringing periods of moderate to heavy rain. During the peak of heavier rainfall during the overnight hours, rain rates could exceed 0.15 inches per hour. Moderate to heavy rates are expected to continue for any given location for a period of around 12-18 hours before decreasing. Total rainfall accumulations for the event are expected between 1.5 - 3.0 inches, with greatest amounts in the central panhandle. Upwards of 5 inches will be possible for higher elevations. Due to the short nature of the heavier rainfall, smaller creeks and streams will rise quickly, but are not expected to flood.
From Recreation.gov
Be advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available. Please help us maintain this site for all to enjoy by packing out all garbage and leaving it cleaner than you found it. Report problems to the Petersburg Ranger District: 907-772-5869.
About
Swan Lake Cabin offers one of the most spectacular alpine settings in southeast Alaska. Perched at 1,514 feet elevation on the mainland east of Thomas Bay, this A-frame cabin is surrounded by the steep talus slopes and peaks of the Cosmos Range. The cabin was rebuilt in 2005-06 and features two wooden bunks, a sleeping loft accommodating up to seven people, a table with benches, and a clean-burning oil heater. An outhouse is provided, and two rowboats with oars are available for exploring the lake. The cabin provides excellent access to backcountry recreation. Rainbow trout fishing is popular in the lake, and mountain goats frequent the steep surrounding slopes. The Cascade Creek Trail can be reached by boat from the west end of the lake, leading to Falls Lake and a three-sided shelter about a mile out, then continuing 5 miles to the Cascade Creek Cabin in Thomas Bay. Rock, ice, and glacier climbing opportunities abound in the area. Guests must be fully self-sufficient, bringing sleeping bags, cook stoves, cooking gear, food, drinking water, and life jackets for boating. The cabin's oil heater requires guests to supply clean #1 heating oil or kerosene. All garbage must be packed out. Poor weather can delay float plane travel, so visitors should be prepared for potential extended stays.
Directions
Accessible only by float plane or helicopter, 18 air miles from Petersburg. Float plane access when the lake is open (typically July through October). Helicopter access year-round. Refer to USGS topographic maps Sumdum A3 and A2.
Location
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $35 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 772-3871 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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