Shipley Bay Cabin

About

Shipley Bay Cabin sits on a low bluff overlooking a large rocky beach on Kosciusko Island in Alaska's Tongass National Forest. The cabin is a 12' x 14' Pan Abode precut cedar log structure with a covered porch, sleeping up to 6 guests on wooden bunkbeds. Inside you'll find a table, benches, cooking counter, and a tiny wood stove that accommodates BioBricks for heat. An outdoor pit toilet is provided. There is no running water or electricity; stream water is available but requires filtering, boiling, or chemical treatment. The location offers outstanding fishing opportunities, with Shipley Creek and nearby Shipley Lake supporting cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, dolly varden, steelhead, and three species of salmon. A rugged 0.8-mile natural-tread trail connects the cabin to Shipley Lake, and experienced hikers can continue to Devilfish Bay with good maps and orienteering skills. Mount Francis, a picturesque 2,592-foot limestone peak, is visible from the cabin on clear days. Wildlife is abundant, including Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, bald eagles, and various waterfowl and shorebirds. Access is by float plane or a one-hour boat ride from El Capitan dock. A mooring buoy in the bay is available first-come, first-served. Visitors must arrive at high tide, and should bring extra supplies for 2-5 days as fog, high winds, and weather can delay departure.

Directions

Located at the mouth of Shipley Creek in Shipley Bay on Kosciusko Island, 46 air miles from Craig, 60 miles from Wrangell, and 85 miles from Ketchikan. Access by float plane or one-hour boat ride from El Capitan dock. Best to arrive at high tide (consult Sitka tide tables). A mooring buoy in the bay is available first-come, first-served.