Helm Creek Cabin
Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Accessible by float plane, boat, or kayak depending on weather and tide conditions.
Small Craft Advisory issued February 9 at 2:36AM AKST until February 9 at 6:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK
* WHAT...Southeast winds 10 to 20 kt with gusts up to 35 kt. * WHERE...Clarence Strait. * WHEN...Until 6 AM AKST early this morning. * IMPACTS...Conditions will be hazardous to small craft.
Small Craft Advisory issued February 8 at 11:15PM AKST until February 9 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK
Southeast Alaska Inside Waters from Dixon Entrance to Skagway Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction expected. Sea forecasts represent the average of the highest one-third of the combined windwave and swell height. .TONIGHT...SE wind increasing to 25 kt. Seas 7 ft, except 9 ft near ocean entrances. Rain early in the evening, then rain showers. .MON...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft. Rain showers. .MON NIGHT...S wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft. Rain showers. .TUE...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. .TUE NIGHT...SE gale to 35 kt. Seas 8 ft. Rain. .WED...SE gale to 40 kt. Seas 12 ft. .THU...S gale to 35 kt. Seas 12 ft. .FRI...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
Small Craft Advisory issued February 8 at 2:46PM AKST until February 9 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Juneau AK
Southeast Alaska Inside Waters from Dixon Entrance to Skagway Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction expected. Sea forecasts represent the average of the highest one-third of the combined windwave and swell height. .TONIGHT...SE wind 25 kt. Seas 7 ft, except 9 ft near ocean entrances. Rain early in the evening, then rain showers. .MON...SE wind 20 kt. Seas 6 ft. Rain showers. .MON NIGHT...S wind 15 kt. Seas 5 ft. Rain showers. .TUE...SE wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. .TUE NIGHT...SE gale to 35 kt. Seas 8 ft. Rain. .WED...SE gale to 40 kt. Seas 12 ft. .THU...S gale to 35 kt. Seas 12 ft. .FRI...N wind 15 kt. Seas 4 ft.
About
Helm Creek Cabin is a rustic wilderness retreat nestled on the east shore of Helm Bay in the Tongass National Forest, approximately 24 miles from Ketchikan. This 12x14 ft. pan-abode style cabin was built in 1985 and offers authentic backcountry lodging for up to six guests with two single and two double bunks. The cabin is equipped with a wood stove for heating, a table and benches, basic tools including a splitting maul, and an outdoor pit toilet. A mooring float is available on a first-come, first-served basis directly in front of the cabin. The cabin faces northwest with scenic views toward the head of Helm Bay and the surrounding mountains. It sits adjacent to a large saltwater tidal flat at the mouth of Helm Creek, with a moderately steep sloping beach providing boat and kayak access. Helm Bay is particularly renowned for excellent crabbing and saltwater fishing opportunities, including salmon, halibut, and red snapper. Freshwater fishing for trout and Dolly Varden is possible in nearby Helm Lake, though no trail exists to reach it. The area is prime habitat for black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, and mountain goats, while seals, whales, and other marine mammals can be spotted in the bay. Guests must be self-sufficient, bringing their own water or treating creek water, packing in all supplies, and packing out all trash.
Directions
Located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek, about 24 miles from Ketchikan or 12 miles from the Clover Pass area. Accessible only by float plane, boat, or kayak. A first-come, first-served mooring buoy is located directly in front of the cabin. Consult local tide tables before departing, as tides affect access to the cabin.
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 | $65 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 225-2148 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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