Sitka / Tongass National Forest

Freds Creek Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov, weather and sea conditions permitting. The cabin is receiving minimal maintenance; firewood and splitting maul may be unavailable, so visitors should bring their own firewood and maul.

About

Fred's Creek Cabin is a year-round oceanfront rental cabin located on the southeastern shore of Kruzof Island, 10 miles west of Sitka on Sitka Sound. The 15' x 18' Pan Abode cabin features a full sleeping loft accessed by stairs, plywood bunks for up to 8 people, a wood stove for heat, cooking counter, table and benches, and a deck overlooking the rocky shoreline. Fred's Creek flows to saltwater just north of the cabin. The cabin serves as an excellent base for hiking the 6.7-mile Mount Edgecumbe Trail, which gradually ascends through miles of muskeg and spruce-hemlock forest before climbing steeply to the cone of Mount Edgecumbe, a 3,200-foot dormant volcano. On clear days, hikers are rewarded with panoramic views. The rocky beach offers beachcombing, surf watching, and exploration of fascinating pumice and volcanic rock formations deposited by the volcano. Wildlife viewing opportunities include humpback whales offshore in spring and fall, sea otters, sea lions, puffins, and other seabirds. Brown bears frequent the area, and deer hunting is available in season. Access is by boat (30 minutes from Sitka) or helicopter during low tide. Local wave action can make beach landings difficult or dangerous, and boaters should consult tide tables and avoid approaching during tide changes. A mooring buoy is available for anchorage. The cabin receives heavy use from Sitka residents and tour groups accessing the Mount Edgecumbe trailhead.

Directions

Located 10 miles west of Sitka on the southeastern shore of Kruzof Island. Access is 30 minutes by boat from Sitka. Helicopter landing on the beach is possible at lower tides. Local wave action on the beach may make landing dangerous or impossible; consult local tide tables and avoid approaching while the tide is turning. Inexperienced boaters should consider using local charter boat operators. A mooring buoy is available for anchorage. Refer to USGS topographic maps Sitka A-5, A-6.

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