Sweet Water Lake Cabin

About

Sweetwater Lake Cabin offers a remote wilderness lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in the Tongass National Forest. The pre-cut cedar log cabin sits on a large gravelly beach on the eastern shore of Sweetwater Lake, surrounded by old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar forest. The 12x14 ft structure sleeps up to 6 on wooden bunkbeds and is equipped with a wood stove for heat, cooking counter with shelving, table and benches, axe, splitting maul, and fire extinguisher. The cabin includes an aluminum skiff with oars for exploring the lake, which offers excellent fishing for rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and coho, sockeye, and pink salmon. Wildlife abounds in the area including Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, mink, otter, beaver, bald eagles, and migratory waterfowl. Seals are often spotted in the lake. Visitors must bring their own drinking water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, cooking gear, lantern, toilet paper, first aid kit, and garbage bags. All trash must be packed out. Access is 10 road miles from Coffman Cove via Forest Road 3030, followed by a 200-foot trail hike and half-mile boat paddle to the cabin. Float plane access may be unavailable in fall, winter, and early spring when the lake freezes.

Directions

Located on the east side of Sweetwater Lake, 10 road miles from Coffman Cove on northeast Prince of Wales Island. From Ketchikan, take Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Road 3030 (approximately 2 hours from Hollis). Park and hike 200 feet to the boat launch, then paddle the provided skiff half a mile to the cabin. Alternatively accessible by float plane, 68 air miles from Ketchikan.