Petersburg Borough / Tongass National Forest

Big John Bay Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations. Peak season May 1 through September 30 at $40 per night; non-peak season October 1 through April 30 at $25 per night.

About

Big John Bay Cabin is a remote Forest Service rental cabin situated on a small wooded point at the north end of Big John Bay in Rocky Pass on the west side of Kupreanof Island within Tongass National Forest. This single-level hunter-style cabin provides a rustic base for exploring one of southeast Alaska's productive fishing and hunting areas. The cabin accommodates up to four people with single bunks, and includes an oil heater (requires #1 stove oil), wooden table and benches, counter, covered porch, and a pit toilet. Visitors must bring their own stove oil, bedding, cooking equipment, and food. A small stream located a quarter-mile north of the cabin provides a water source, though water should be treated. The cabin sits on what becomes an islet at high tide, facing large expanses of tidal grass and saltwater flats. Access requires careful planning around tides. The cabin can be reached by float plane from Petersburg (28 miles) or by boat from Kake (18 miles), but a 15-foot tide is required for direct access. At lower tides, visitors face up to a 1-mile hike across mudflats. The Big John Bay Trail provides overland access from near Kake (1.75 miles), but this route crosses tide flats and is impassable during high tide. The area is excellent for waterfowl hunting, and Hamilton and Big John Creeks offer fishing for trout, pink salmon, and coho salmon. Wildlife including waterfowl, grouse, and black bears inhabit the surrounding forest and tidal areas.

Directions

Located on the northeast side of Big John Bay in Rocky Pass on the west side of Kupreanof Island. Access by float plane from Petersburg (28 miles), by boat from Kake (18 miles), or via the Big John Bay Trail from roadside near Kake (1.75 miles). A 15-foot tide is required for direct boat or float plane access; lower tides require up to a 1-mile hike across mudflats. Trail access is not possible during high tide as the route crosses tide flats. Check local tide tables before planning your trip.

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