Petersburg Lake Cabin
Open year-round but receiving minimal maintenance in 2026. The trail is in very poor condition, particularly miles 4-9.5 which are muddy, wet, and poorly marked. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible when the lake surface freezes and floatplanes cannot land. Contact the Petersburg Ranger District before making winter reservations. Pack out all garbage.
Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 10:34PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to continue through this evening and last through the weekend as multiple strong low pressure systems move into the northern gulf. These lows will bring multiple days of moderate to heavy rain, with around 1.5 to 3 inches of rain every 24 hours. Some areas, especially near Yakutat and along the gulf coast, could see localized areas reach around 4 inches of rain in 24 hours. Heaviest rain rates are anticipated late Saturday into Sunday with hourly rates of 0.15 to 0.3 inches possible. This heavy rain will likely cause rapid river rises along smaller rivers and streams, but no flooding is expected at this time for areas outside the flood watch. Along with this heavy rain, increased winds are highly likely across the area. Strongest winds are anticipated to occur late Saturday into Sunday with 30 to 40 kts, gusts to 50 kts across the gulf and 20 to 35 kts, gusts around 40 to 50 kts across the northern inner channels. Land winds will also increase, with areas especially along the central gulf coast seeing wind gusts up to around 45 mph. Check back for more updates through the weekend.
From Recreation.gov
Be advised this facility will receive minimal maintenance this year. If this facility has an oil stove please use clean #1 heating oil or kerosene to limit problems with operation. If this facility has a wood stove it is not guaranteed wood will be available. Please help us maintain this site for all to enjoy by packing out all garbage and leaving it cleaner than you found it. Report problems to the Petersburg Ranger District: 907-772-5869.
Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to…
About
Petersburg Lake Cabin offers a true wilderness experience on the shores of a pristine lake in southeastern Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The wooden pan-abode cabin, built in 2003, sits in the Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness surrounded by old-growth spruce and hemlock forest. The cabin sleeps six with two bunk beds (double bunks below, singles above) and features both a wood stove and an oil stove for heating, plus a wooden table and benches. Access is challenging: floatplane is the easiest option at 9 miles from Petersburg. The boat-trail combination requires careful tide planning—at high tide (15+ feet), you can boat 4 miles up Petersburg Creek then hike 6.5 miles. At lower tides, expect a 10.3-mile hike from the Kupreanof boat dock. The trail is in poor condition with muddy sections, beaver ponds, downed trees, and rotting boardwalks; a map, compass, and GPS are essential. The area provides outstanding fishing with steelhead, coho, and sockeye salmon in Petersburg Creek, plus cutthroat trout and sockeye in the lake. A rowboat and oars are available at the cabin. Wildlife is abundant—black bears and eagles frequent the creek during salmon spawning. Hunters can pursue game per Alaska regulations. Guests must bring all supplies including drinking water (lake and creek water require treatment), sleeping gear, cooking equipment, and life jackets.
Directions
Accessible by floatplane 9 miles from Petersburg. By boat-trail combination: at high tide (15+ feet), boat 4 miles up Petersburg Creek to the high tide trailhead, then hike 6.5 miles on Petersburg Creek Trail. At lower tides, take a boat to the Kupreanof boat dock on Wrangell Narrows and hike 10.3 miles. Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg D4.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $25 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 772-3871 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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