Bakewell Lake Cabin

About

Bakewell Lake Cabin offers a quintessential Southeast Alaska wilderness experience within the Misty Fjords National Monument. The rustic Pan Abode-style cabin sits on the shore of Bakewell Lake, fronted by a white sand beach with views across the lake to gentle forested slopes. The cabin features two single bunks and two double bunks, an oil-burning stove (guests must bring #1 diesel fuel), a cooking counter and table, and basic shelving and cupboard space. Access requires a float plane flight or a boat trip into Smeaton Bay followed by a 2-mile paddle to the cabin. There is no mooring buoy at the Bakewell Lake trailhead, and the trail from saltwater does not extend all the way to the cabin. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is available at the cabin for fishing and exploration, though guests must bring their own life jackets. The lake holds Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout year-round, with steelhead near the outlet and salmon runs from July through September. The surrounding area supports a large brown bear population along with Sitka black-tailed deer, beavers, otters, eagles, and loons. A 1-mile trail at the north end of the lake leads to Bakewell Arm and features a fish ladder and 40-foot waterfall. During fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake conditions preventing float plane landings.

Directions

Approximately 40 air miles east of Ketchikan on the mainland, south of Bakewell Arm off Smeaton Bay. Accessible by float plane landing on the lake, or by mooring a boat in Smeaton Bay and canoeing or kayaking 2 miles to the cabin. There is no mooring buoy at the Bakewell Lake trailhead. Helicopter access is prohibited as this is designated Wilderness.