Portage Bay Cabin
The cabin is open and accepting reservations. This facility will receive minimal maintenance in 2026. Guests must bring their own #1 heating oil or kerosene for the oil heater. Pack out all garbage. Float plane or boat access is tide-dependent.
Special Weather Statement issued September 18 at 3:04PM 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.
Beaver Falls Prohibitions Thorne Bay Ranger District
The following acts are prohibited in the Tongass National Forest within the Thorne Bay Ranger District: Being on, going into, or using any part of the boardwalk trail leading to the Beaver Falls karst viewing areas, Forest Service Trails 54776, 54776A, and 54776B.
About
Portage Bay Cabin is a remote USFS recreation cabin situated on the rocky eastern shore of Portage Bay on northern Kupreanof Island in southeast Alaska. Originally built as an administrative site for Forest Service timber layout crews, it was converted to a recreation cabin in 1987. The single-level hunter-style structure features four wooden bunks accommodating up to six people, an oil heater requiring #1 stove oil or kerosene, a wooden table with benches, and a covered porch. A pit outhouse is located nearby. The surrounding terrain is hilly along the eastern shore with flat and rolling land to the south and west. Portage Mountain rises to 3,577 feet in the background. Access is tide-dependent and available only by float plane or boat. Excellent halibut fishing exists in the mouth of Portage Bay, while Portage Creek offers coho, pink salmon, steelhead, and trout. Hunting for black bears, waterfowl, and grouse is available in season. The primitive Portage Mountain Loop Trail connects this cabin with Petersburg Lake Cabin and Salt Chuck East Cabin through Goose Cove. Note that the trail is extremely primitive over to Petersburg Lake and is seldom used due to difficulty, with sections flooded by beaver ponds.
Directions
From Petersburg: 15 miles by float plane or 25 miles by boat to the eastern shore of Portage Bay, due east of Stop Island on northern Kupreanof Island. Float plane or boat access can only occur at certain stages of the tide. Refer to USGS topographic maps Petersburg D4, D3, and Sumdum A4.
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| 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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