Karta River Cabin

About

Karta River Cabin offers a primitive wilderness lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The 12x14-foot Pan Abode cedar log cabin sits on a bluff overlooking the mouth of the Karta River and Karta Bay, surrounded by second-growth spruce and hemlock forest. The cabin sleeps up to five people on wooden bunkbeds and features an oil stove for heat, a large porch, cooking counter, table with benches, and a vault toilet. Guests must bring their own diesel fuel, sleeping gear, cookware, water, and all supplies. The cabin is located within the Karta River Wilderness, best known for its large salmon runs and scenic river drainage system. Anglers can fish for rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and four species of salmon. The area is rich with wildlife including wolves, black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, beavers, otters, harbor seals, sea lions, whales, and bald eagles. The 5.5-mile Karta River Trail begins at the cabin and provides access to Karta Lake and Salmon Lake cabins deeper in the wilderness. Access is by float plane (34 air miles from Ketchikan, 22 from Craig) or boat (10 miles from Hollis). Visitors should arrive at high tide and be prepared for weather delays of 2-5 extra days. A mooring buoy in the bay is available first-come, first-served. Helicopter access is prohibited in this designated wilderness area.

Directions

Access by float plane or boat from open ocean. By float plane: 34 air miles northwest of Ketchikan or 22 air miles from Craig. By boat: approximately 10 miles from Hollis. Arrive at high tide for safe landing. A mooring buoy in Karta Bay is available first-come, first-served. Helicopter access is prohibited in this wilderness area. USGS Map: Craig C-2.