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 1 at 6:52AM AKST until March 2 at 6:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK
...ANOTHER ROUND OF SNOWFALL EXPECTED SUNDAY FOR CENTRAL PANHANDLE... The active weather pattern continues through Sunday as remnants of yesterday's storm continues to dissipate. Split flow will develop as an incoming front stalls across the central panhandle, with cold strong northerly outflow winds developing across the northern inner channels and warmer southerly winds across the southern panhandle. This sets the stage for portions of the central and southern panhandle to see moderate to heavy snowfall by Sunday afternoon through Sunday evening as another surge of moisture pushes into the area. A transition to a rain snow mix is expected through Monday morning with a transition to rain by Monday afternoon as temperatures increase. Main forecast challenge is potential for temperatures to warm up quicker than expected through Sunday night and into Monday morning with the front moving further north, limiting snowfall accumulations. * WHAT...Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 5 to 9 inches. * WHERE...Prince of Wales Island and City and Borough of Wrangell. * WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST Monday. * IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning commute. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest snowfall totals will remain on the northern side of Prince of Wales Island and upper elevations near Wrangell. Heaviest snowfall rates are expected by Sunday afternoon through Sunday night. Snow ratios will decrease through Sunday night as warm air pushes northward with a transition to a mixed precipitation through late Monday morning.
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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