Mitchell Bay Shelter Lookout/cabin

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations available.

About

Mitchell Bay Shelter Lookout/Cabin is a historic backcountry shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1936 as part of the development of the Admiralty Island Canoe Route. The structure is a classic 12' x 10' three-sided Adirondack-style log shelter with shake walls and roof, and a gravel floor, perched overlooking a tidal flat near the head of Mitchell Bay on the western side of Admiralty Island. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995, this rustic shelter continues to be maintained by the Forest Service. Situated within the Admiralty Island National Monument and Kootznoowoo Wilderness, the shelter is accessible only by boat, floatplane (approximately 45 minutes from Juneau), or canoe with portage across the island. Admiralty Island, known to the Tlingit as "Kootznoowoo" meaning "Fortress of the Bear," has one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. The shelter connects to the Salt Lake trail system and serves as a base for exploring the island's pristine wilderness. Non-potable water is available on site, and visitors should be well-prepared for remote wilderness conditions and bear encounters.

Directions

Located on the northern side of the head of Mitchell Bay, northwest of South America Island. Access by boat, floatplane, or canoe with portage across the island. One-way flight time from Juneau is approximately 45 minutes. Suggested USGS topo map: Sitka C-2.

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