Ketchikan Gateway / Tongass National Forest / Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness

Winstanley Lake Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface preventing floatplane landings. Helicopter access is prohibited in this designated Wilderness area.

About

Winstanley Lake Cabin sits on the shore of its namesake lake approximately 33 air miles northeast of Ketchikan within the Misty Fjords National Monument Wilderness. This 12x14-ft Pan Abode style log cabin was constructed in 1967 and accommodates 6 people with 2 single and 2 double bunks. The cabin includes a table and benches, cooking counter, food storage, wood stove, broom, and an outhouse nearby. A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for exploring the lake. The cabin is backed by a forest of large old-growth spruce, hemlock and cedar, offering views of the placid lake with its forested shoreline and surrounding mountains. Visitors can row to the historic Winstanley Lake Shelter at the end of the lake, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s, and hike the 2.25-mile trail from the shelter to saltwater. The Misty Fjords Monument Wilderness supports diverse wildlife including mountain goats, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, brown bears, moose, and bald eagles. Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon in the lake. Hunting is permitted with proper permits. Visitors must bring their own water supply, sleeping bags, cooking gear, and all provisions. Access is remote by floatplane or via a 2.5-mile hike from saltwater plus a 2.25-mile row.

Directions

Located on Winstanley Lake approximately 33 air miles northeast of Ketchikan on the mainland, east of Winstanley Island. Accessible by floatplane or by trail from saltwater. Trail access involves a 2.5-mile hike from saltwater plus a 2.25-mile row to the cabin using the provided skiff. Refer to USGS Ketchikan B-3.

Nearby Campgrounds