Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

About

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin is a secluded USFS public use cabin located on a peninsula extending into Hugh Smith Lake, deep within the Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness. Built in 1965, this rustic 12x14 ft Pan Abode cabin is surrounded by old-growth Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and cedar forest, with views across the lake to gentle forested slopes. The area supports a large brown bear population along with Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, martens, and moose. The cabin sleeps six with two single and two double bunks, and features a wood stove for heat, cooking counter, table with benches, shelves, cupboard space, and basic tools including an ax, maul, and splitting wedges. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for fishing and lake exploration, though guests must bring their own life jackets. There is no potable water or electricity; guests must treat lake water or bring their own supply. Anglers can pursue cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and sockeye salmon. A working fish weir operated by Alaska Department of Fish and Game sits at the lake outlet. An abandoned cannery site at the east end of the lake offers exploration opportunities, and a trail leads to saltwater. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning have been reported in this area, so shellfish should not be harvested.

Directions

The cabin is approximately 55 air miles southeast of Ketchikan on the mainland south of Marten Arm. Accessible only by floatplane. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is prohibited. Refer to USGS map Ketchikan A-3.