Lake Alexander Shelter Lookout/cabin

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations required. Accessible only by float plane, boat, or canoe with portage from Mole Harbor.

About

The Lake Alexander Shelter is a historic three-sided Adirondack-style structure constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. This 12' x 10' shelter with a gravel floor sits at the eastern end of Lake Alexander on Admiralty Island, known to the Tlingit people as Kootznoowoo, meaning "Fortress of the Bear." The shelter is located within both the Admiralty Island National Monument and the Kootznoowoo Wilderness, part of the Tongass National Forest. The shelter serves as a waypoint on the 32-mile Cross Admiralty Canoe Route, offering basic protection from the elements in one of Southeast Alaska's most remote wilderness areas. Access is by float plane from Juneau (approximately 40 minutes flight time), boat, or canoe with a 2.4-mile portage from Mole Harbor. The trail from Mole Harbor climbs through spruce and hemlock forest with muskeg meadows and includes long, difficult muddy sections that make portaging challenging. Visitors arriving by boat at Mole Harbor should plan for a 15-foot incoming tide or higher due to extensive tidal flats. This is true wilderness camping in brown bear country. The shelter provides only basic three-sided protection; visitors must bring tents, sleeping gear, and all supplies. Non-potable water is available from the lake but must be treated. The area experiences light use and offers exceptional opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and experiencing Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest ecosystem in its most pristine form.

Directions

Located on the eastern end of Lake Alexander in central Admiralty Island. Access by float plane from Juneau (approximately 40 minutes), boat, or canoe. From Mole Harbor, a 2.4-mile portage trail leads to the shelter through spruce/hemlock forest and muskeg. Boaters should plan for 15-foot incoming tide or higher at Mole Harbor due to large tidal flats. Suggested USGS topo map: Sitka C-1.

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