Barnes Lake Cabin
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Peak season rates apply May 1 through September 30, non-peak rates October 1 through April 30. Float plane access may be limited when the lake surface is frozen during fall, winter, or early spring.
Winter Weather Advisory issued March 26 at 4:09AM AKDT until March 26 at 10:00PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
...LOW CONTINUES TO SEND BANDS OF PRECIPITATION INTO THE SOUTHERN PANHANDLE... A low pressure system remains over the southern gulf sending several waves of precipitation into the southern panhandle. Snow is ongoing with with one wave early Thursday morning, and another midday to late Thursday. The first band of precipitation is bringing the most moisture over Prince of Wales Island with highest snow accumulations along the southern portion of the Island and over the roadway system at higher elevations. The second round of precipitation focuses more on Annette Island and the Ketchikan area. For those areas, moderate snow will begin around noon with heaviest precipitation expected Thursday evening. Total snow accumulations will be highly dependent on day time high temperatures. Afternoon temperatures could reach the mid to upper 30s limiting snow accumulation but inland areas could stay cold. * WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations of 2 to 7 inches. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island. * WHEN...Until 10 PM AKDT this evening. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the evening commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest accumulations will be on the south side of the island and on the inland higher elevations of the road system. Afternoon temperatures near the coasts could reach the mid to upper 30s Thursday afternoon limiting snow accumulation but inland areas could stay cold.
Special Weather Statement issued March 25 at 4:17PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
A series of low pressure systems will approach the southern panhandle through the end of the work week and into the weekend, with multiple fronts/troughs lifting north through the region. Multiple rounds of snow showers or rain/snow mix are expected for Annette Island, Ketchikan, Prince of Wales Island and Port Alexander. Heavier showers could reduce visibility down to 1/2 mile or less, with snowfall rates as high as 1 inch per hour. One to three inches of snow is possible during the nighttime and early morning hours, as air and surface temperatures hover near to below freezing. Due to the showery nature of the snow, accumulations will be highly variable across the area with expected periods of melting in sunny breaks. Snow showers should diminish through the weekend as surface ridging builds into southeast Alaska. Stay tuned for the latest forecast updates at weather.gov/juneau.
About
Barnes Lake Cabin is a remote 12-by-12 foot pan-abode cedar log structure situated on the western shore of Barnes Lake, a tidal saltwater lagoon on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The cabin sleeps four to six people on wooden bunks and features a wood stove for heat, a table, benches, cooking bench, shelves, and basic tools for firewood cutting. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is available for exploring the lagoon and surrounding waters. At low tide, a 50- to 100-foot tidal flat emerges in front of the cabin. The cabin is surrounded by old-growth temperate rainforest of spruce and hemlock trees, with abundant wildlife including Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, and migratory waterfowl. The location offers excellent fishing opportunities, with summer runs of coho and pink salmon in coastal waters from mid-August to late September. Crabbing is available throughout warmer months, though high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning have been recorded in the area. Visitors can enjoy scenic boating through Gold and Galligan Lagoon to Sweetwater Lake, though navigation should only occur during high slack tide. The area also provides hunting opportunities for bear in spring and fall, and deer from late summer through late fall. This is a primitive facility with no fresh water source nearby, no electricity, and no cell service. Visitors must bring their own water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking equipment, lanterns, food, toilet paper, and garbage bags. Wood may be available but is not guaranteed. Access requires careful planning around tidal conditions, and the cabin may be inaccessible to float planes when the lake surface is frozen during winter months.
Directions
Located on the western shore of Barnes Lake, 70 air miles from Ketchikan and 38 air miles from Craig on Prince of Wales Island. Accessible only by float plane, motorboat, or kayak. Float plane or boat access can only occur at certain stages of the tide. Use extreme care boating through Indian Creek Rapids and Lake Bay Creek, which are extremely dangerous and should only be attempted at high slack tide, about 1.5 hours after high tide. Refer to USGS Petersburg A-3 map.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 828-3304 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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