Unorganized Borough / Prince of Wales-Hyder

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.

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.

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