Sitka / Tongass National Forest

Sawmill Creek Picnic Shelter

Closed — Closed for the winter season. Blue Lake Road is only accessible by vehicles from May 15 to November 1. The campground remains accessible year-round by foot, cross-country skis, or bikes.

About

Sawmill Creek Picnic Shelter is situated within the USDA Forest Service Sawmill Creek Campground, a recently renovated recreational facility located 1.5 miles up Blue Lake Road in the Tongass National Forest near Sitka. The shelter is available for advance reservations through Recreation.gov; otherwise, it operates on a free, first-come, first-served basis. Reserved dates are posted at the shelter when applicable. The campground facility includes picnic tables, fire rings, garbage bins, and vault toilets. Visitors should bring their own potable water or treat water collected from Sawmill Creek, as no potable water is available on site. Bear-proof lockers are provided for food storage, as brown bears can be present at any time. Pallet burning is not allowed, and firewood is not available for purchase. The site is located in a temperate rainforest environment along Sawmill Creek, offering views of surrounding mountains. The Beaver Lake/Herring Cove Trail is accessible from the campground, and fishing opportunities are available in Sawmill Creek. Blue Lake Road is graveled, and the area provides hiking, picnicking, and bird and wildlife viewing opportunities year-round for those willing to walk, ski, or bike during winter months.

Directions

Located on Baranof Island 7 miles southeast of Sitka. From downtown Sitka, follow Sawmill Creek Road 5.2 miles to Blue Lake Road. Turn left on graveled Blue Lake Road and continue 1.5 miles to Sawmill Creek Campground sign, then turn right to enter the campground.

Nearby Campgrounds