Baranof Lake Cabin

About

Baranof Lake Cabin sits on the shores of a stunning glacier-fed lake on the east side of Baranof Island, 20 air miles from Sitka. The greenish-blue lake stretches nearly 3 miles long and half a mile wide, flanked by mountain ridges rising to 3,000 feet. A waterfall cascades down steep slopes across the lake, and the Baranof River enters near the cabin with the constant sound of rushing water. The rustic 12x14-foot Pan Abode-style cabin accommodates up to six people on four plywood bunks (two double, two single). Amenities include a wood stove for heat, table with benches, cooking counter, cupboard, outhouse, and a small skiff with oars for lake exploration. Firewood may be scarce, and visitors must bring their own sleeping bags, cooking stove, cookware, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, lantern, and fire extinguisher. Fishing is excellent from late July through late August when cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and rainbow trout runs occur, particularly near inlet streams. Dense vegetation along the shoreline makes shore fishing and hiking impossible. Brown bears frequent the area, requiring proper food storage and awareness.

Directions

Located 20 air miles east of Sitka on the east side of Baranof Island. Access is by floatplane only from Sitka, approximately 25 minutes in clear weather. In poor weather with low clouds, flying time can double as planes must route around Baranof Island rather than flying over it.