Petersburg Borough

West Point Cabin

Open — Open for reservations year-round. Reservations may be cancelled and refunded if heavy snow is forecasted. Access by boat or float plane is tide-dependent.

About

West Point Cabin is a wheelchair-accessible modified A-frame structure built in 1994, situated near the mouth of Portage Bay on the north end of Kupreanof Island in the Tongass National Forest. The cabin overlooks Portage Bay and is surrounded by flat terrain with mixed spruce and hemlock forest. Large expanses of gravel beach provide excellent hiking opportunities. The cabin is accessible only by boat or float plane, located 24 miles by boat or 18 miles by float plane from Petersburg. Tide-dependent access requires careful planning. The cabin features a wooden access walkway, wheelchair-accessible outhouse, wood stove, two single bunks, large sleeping loft accommodating up to seven people, wooden table and benches, cooking counter, and a large deck. A mooring buoy is provided for secure boat anchoring in areas with strong currents and occasional high winds. Firewood is supplied for the wood stove only but not guaranteed. No potable water is provided; the nearest freshwater source is a creek approximately half a mile west of the cabin, and all water must be treated before consumption. The area offers diverse recreational opportunities including fishing for king salmon in May and June, coho salmon in August through September, and halibut in Frederick Sound. The waters of Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage are primary feeding grounds for migratory humpback whales, providing exceptional whale watching opportunities. Hunting is available per state and federal regulations. Wildlife in the area includes black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, waterfowl, and marine mammals. Due to high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning recorded in the area, shellfish harvesting is not recommended.

Directions

Located near the mouth of Portage Bay on the north end of Kupreanof Island, 18 miles by float plane or 24 miles by boat from Petersburg. Accessible only by boat or float plane. Float plane or boat access is tide-dependent. USGS topographic maps: Sumdum A4, Sumdum A5, Petersburg D4, and Petersburg D5.

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