Unorganized Borough / Prince of Wales-Hyder / Tongass National Forest

Control Lake Cabin

Open — Currently open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Check-in and check-out at noon. Cabin accessed only by provided rowboat from parking area; dock in poor condition, use caution. Wood not guaranteed; bring your own saw and firewood if possible.

About

Control Lake Cabin, built in 1969, is a spacious multi-room wooden cabin situated on the shore of Control Lake in the central portion of Prince of Wales Island. This historic structure once served as the Ranger District office and is partially furnished with rustic log furniture. The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests and provides wood stove heating (propane heat no longer available), an outhouse, and basic tools including an axe, maul, and splitting wedges. The cabin sits in rolling terrain surrounded by extensive muskeg that extends several miles west of the lake. The landscape features sparse, scrubby lodgepole pine trees and numerous small ponds teeming with birds, plants, and insects. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, marten, mink, and otters commonly seen in the area. Control Lake supports healthy populations of cutthroat trout, dolly varden, and sockeye salmon, making it an excellent fishing destination. Hunters can take advantage of extended seasons for bear (spring and fall) and deer (late summer through late fall). Note that the cabin is located in an area that has sustained a recent clearcut, which has impacted surrounding aesthetics. Shoreline access is no longer available; guests must use the provided aluminum rowboat to reach the cabin from the road. The dock is in poor condition and requires caution. Guests must bring their own personal flotation devices, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, water, and all other supplies. It's an 18-mile drive to the lower Thorne River area, which offers additional hiking trails and recreation opportunities.

Directions

Located 41 miles from Hollis, 25 miles from Craig, and 18 miles from Thorne Bay via State Highway 929. From the parking area, access the cabin by a 20-minute rowboat paddle (aluminum skiff with oars provided). Also accessible by float plane, though the lake freezes in fall, winter, and early spring, preventing float plane landings. USGS Map Craig C-3.

Nearby Campgrounds