Petersburg Borough / Tongass National Forest / Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness

Petersburg Lake Cabin

Open — Open year-round and available for reservations. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surfaces preventing float plane landings. Contact Petersburg Ranger District before booking during these periods.

About

Petersburg Lake Cabin offers a tranquil wilderness experience on the southeastern shores of Petersburg Lake within the Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness on Kupreanof Island. This pan-abode style cabin, constructed in 2003, sits in pristine old-growth spruce and hemlock forest at 103 feet elevation in a broad, glacial valley. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people with two double lower bunks and two single upper bunks, plus a table, benches, wood stove, and oil stove for heat. A rowboat and oars are provided for lake access. The cabin includes an outhouse with basket/barrel system. Firewood may be available but is not guaranteed; guests must bring their own kerosene for the oil stove. Water must be taken from the lake or creek and treated before consumption. Fishing is exceptional, with the creek offering steelhead, coho, and sockeye salmon runs, while the lake has cutthroat trout and sockeye. The area is prime black bear and bald eagle habitat, particularly during salmon spawning. Access is by float plane (9 miles from Petersburg) or by boat-trail combination that varies with tides. At high tide (15+ feet), boat 4 miles up Petersburg Creek then hike 6.5 miles. At lower tides, the hike extends to 10.3 miles from Kupreanof's boat dock. The trail is in poor condition with sections (miles 4-9.5) that are muddy, wet, poorly marked, and include beaver ponds and downed trees. In fall, winter, and early spring, frozen lake surfaces may prevent float plane access.

Directions

Accessible by float plane 9 miles from Petersburg, or by boat-trail combination dependent on tides. At high tide (15+ feet), boat 4 miles up Petersburg Creek to high tide trailhead, then hike 6.5 miles. At lower tides, start at Kupreanof's boat dock on Wrangell Narrows for a 10.3-mile hike. Consult local tide tables before trip. Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg D4.

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