Sitka / Tongass National Forest

Sitkoh Lake East Cabin

Open — Open for reservations year-round, though the cabin is generally accessible only mid-April through October when the lake is ice-free. From November through mid-April, the frozen lake prevents floatplane access. The cabin receives minimal maintenance with firewood and splitting maul potentially unavailable.

About

Sitkoh Lake East Cabin sits at the eastern end of Sitkoh Lake on southeastern Chichagof Island in the Tongass National Forest, accessible when the lake is ice-free, generally April through October. The cabin is reached via a 30-minute floatplane ride from Sitka, weather permitting, or by boat to Sitkoh Bay followed by a challenging 4.3-mile trail in poor condition along Sitkoh Creek. Alternatively, visitors can use OHVs on Roads 7540 and 7544 for 8 miles from False Island, then hike a 1/2-mile foot trail to the cabin. The 12' x 14' Pan Abode-style cabin sleeps six on two double bunks and two single bunks, with a wood stove for heat, table with benches, cooking counter, and outdoor screened cooler box. A small square-bowed skiff with oars is provided for lake access; visitors often bring a 2-10 horsepower outboard motor. An outhouse is located near the cabin. Visitors must bring sleeping bags, cooking equipment, food, water treatment supplies, and all personal gear. Sitkoh Lake offers excellent fishing for cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden, while Sitkoh Creek has spring steelhead runs and summer salmon runs. The surrounding area features old-growth spruce-hemlock forest, muskeg, seasonal berries, and mountains rising to 2,500 feet. Brown bears are very common. Deer and waterfowl hunting are popular activities. The cabin receives minimal maintenance, and firewood may be unavailable.

Directions

Located 35 air miles northeast of Sitka on southeastern Chichagof Island. Access via 30-minute floatplane from Sitka when lake is ice-free (generally April-October), or by boat 3-4 hours from Sitka to Sitkoh Bay then hike 4.3 miles on Sitkoh Lake Trail. Alternative OHV access via Roads 7540 and 7544 from False Island for 8 miles, then 1/2-mile foot trail #675 to cabin.

Nearby Campgrounds