Windfall Harbor Shelter Lookout/cabin

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations may be available up to 180 days in advance through Recreation.gov.

About

Windfall Harbor Shelter is a historic backcountry facility located on the southwestern shore of Windfall Harbor within Admiralty Island National Monument, part of the Tongass National Forest. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps between 1933 and 1937, this 12-foot by 10-foot Adirondack-style shelter is a three-sided structure with a dirt floor that serves as one of several shelters along the historic Admiralty Island Canoe Route. The shelter provides basic weather protection for paddlers, kayakers, and hikers traversing the wilderness. Admiralty Island, known to the Tlingit as Kootznoowoo or "Fortress of the Bear," is home to one of the highest densities of brown bears in the world. The island's temperate rainforest ecosystem offers outstanding opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and wilderness exploration. The shelter is accessible only by boat or floatplane, requiring advanced planning and wilderness skills. Visitors should be prepared for remote backcountry conditions and practice proper bear safety protocols. Non-potable water is available nearby, and campers must be self-sufficient with proper water treatment methods and leave-no-trace practices.

Directions

Accessible only by boat or floatplane. Located on the southwestern shore of Windfall Harbor on Admiralty Island. Primary access is from Juneau via boat or floatplane. The shelter is part of the Admiralty Island Canoe Route system.

Nearby Campgrounds