Turner Lake West Cabin

Turner Lake West Cabin

Open

Open year-round via Recreation.gov reservations, but access is severely limited in fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surface preventing float plane landings. Turner Lake is typically not ice-free until June. High avalanche danger exists in winter and early spring.

Special Weather Statement issued June 30 at 1:14PM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK

1:14 PM — 9:15 PM

River gauge observations as of Tuesday morning indicate a release from Lake No Lake began overnight and is ongoing. Based upon basin estimates and current river levels, the river is forecast to reach bankfull. Therefore, flooding is not expected. As a result of the release, debris in the water is possible on the Taku River, extending down Taku Inlet, & into Stephens Passage, particularly for Wednesday. Furthermore, the water temperature near the Taku River may be much colder than normal, possibly by more than 10 degrees. Typically a release of this type along the Taku River lasts from 1 to 3 days. The National Weather Service and Alaska River Forecast Center will continue to monitor conditions going forward and update this statement as necessary. For Taku River near Juneau: At Noon the stage was 38.3 feet. Flood Stage is 43.0 feet. Forecast: Water levels will crest at around 42.0 feet or bankfull around 4:00am Wednesday.

Special Weather Statement issued June 30 at 10:51AM AKDT by NWS Juneau AK

10:51 AM — 11:00 PM

River gauge observations as of Tuesday morning indicate a release from Lake No Lake began overnight and is ongoing. Based upon basin estimates and current river levels, the river is forecast to reach bankfull. Therefore, flooding is not expected. Typically a release of this type along the Taku River lasts from 1 to 3 days. The National Weather Service and Alaska River Forecast Center will continue to monitor conditions going forward and update this statement as necessary. For Taku River near Juneau: At 10:00am the stage was 37.9 feet. Flood Stage is 43.0 feet. Forecast: Water levels will crest at around 42.0 feet or bankfull around 4:00am Wednesday.

Tongass National Forest

Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to…

About

Turner Lake West Cabin is considered one of the most beautiful cabins on the Tongass National Forest. This log chalet sits on rock that slopes directly to the water, offering spectacular scenery with cliffs and numerous waterfalls cascading into the lake. The cabin accommodates six guests with two single and two double bunks, and includes a table and benches, oil stove, fireplace, cooking counter, food cupboards, and an outhouse. Two boats with oars are provided at the cabin for exploring Turner Lake. Anglers will find excellent fishing for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and kokanee salmon in the lake, with pink salmon available in Turner River and Taku Inlet. Bear, mountain goat, and waterfowl hunting is permitted in designated seasons. Guests must bring their own supplies including #1 stove oil for heating (approximately 1 gallon per day on low setting), sleeping bags, cooking gear, food, personal flotation devices, and all water or treatment supplies. The area is home to grizzly and black bears, moose, and mountain goats. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning have been reported in this area.

Directions

The cabin is approximately 18 miles east of Juneau at the west end of Turner Lake. Access is by float plane (35-minute flight from Juneau) or by boating up Taku Inlet and hiking 0.8 miles to the cabin. Some areas of Taku Inlet are quite shallow; check nautical charts and tide tables. Shallow draft boats or high tides for inboard/outboard boats are recommended.

Amenities

Water No
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $45

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Phone +1 (907) 789-6264

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

 Turner Lake West Cabin
Turner Lake West Cabin, photo by pilot and USFS employee.
Cabin interior
View of Lake
Fire pit overlooking waterfalls
View of cabin and lake
View from back side of cabin
Plane dropping of cabin crew at dock
 Turner Lake Cabin
view of trail head marker at ocean (about 3/4 mile from cabin)
Turner Lake

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