Unorganized Borough / Prince of Wales-Hyder / Tongass National Forest

Polk Camp

Open — Open year-round if the road is passable. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Peak season rates May 1 through September 30; non-peak rates October 1 through April 30.

About

Polk Camp is a spacious three-bedroom cabin situated in Polk Inlet on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska's Tongass National Forest. This property once served as a remote administration camp for the Craig Ranger District and has been converted into a recreation cabin that can accommodate groups and families seeking a unique lodging experience in the rainforest. The cabin features a large kitchen equipped with a full-size propane oven and stove, ample counter space, and a sink (though no running water is available). An outhouse serves as the restroom facility. While firewood may be available, visitors should be prepared to cut their own and bring essential items including sleeping bags, pads, dishes, cleaning products, paper products, and fire starter. Nestled in a canopy of young Sitka spruce and western hemlock, the cabin provides easy access to exceptional outdoor recreation. Dog Salmon Creek offers excellent runs of sockeye, coho, chum, and pink salmon, along with cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden. The creek's fish pass is a popular bear viewing location in August. Dungeness crab are abundant in the inlet, and hunters can pursue black bear in spring and fall or Sitka black-tailed deer from late summer through late fall. An extensive system of roads and ATV trails surrounds the cabin. Wildlife in the area includes sandhill cranes, eagles, wolves, black bears, deer, and various migratory birds, particularly in the nearby estuary south of the cabin. The cabin is accessible by vehicle (approximately 45 miles from Craig), boat, or floatplane through a locked gate at the end of the road.

Directions

From Craig, take the Craig/Klawock-Hollis Highway toward Hollis. Turn right on Hydaburg Road (State Route 913) and travel 8 miles. Turn left onto Forest Road 21 (Polk Inlet and Twelvemile Road). Follow Forest Road 21 for 14 miles, then turn left toward Polk Inlet. The cabin parking area is about 1.5 miles ahead on the left. Access is through a locked gate at the end of the road. Approximately 45 miles total from Craig.

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