Facility Details - TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN, AK

Overview

Turner Lake West Cabin is extremely popular and considered to be one of the most beautiful cabins on the Tongass National Forest. It is open for year-round enjoyment, offering scenic views and access to a variety of recreational activities.

The site can be accessed by float plane, shallow draft boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits on rocky and very brushy terrain, with rocks that slope directly to the water. The area has spectacular scenery with cliffs and numerous waterfalls cascading into the lake.

This area is home to grizzly and black bears, moose and mountain goats (bear safety information). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on Turner Lake.

Recreation:

Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon in Turner Lake. Pink salmon is available in the Turner River and Taku Inlet.

A skiff with oars is available at the cabin, but guests must provide their own flotation devices. Taku Inlet may be difficult to navigate in lower tides, so a shallow draft boat or kayak is recommended. Tide charts should be consulted; click here for more info.

Bear, mountain goat and waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits.

Facilities:

This is a chalet-style log cabin with beautiful stonework and a fireplace. It sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, an oil heater, a cooler box for food storage, an outhouse and food preparation space.

Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake or a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply.

Heating oil is not provided. Visitors must bring a supply of #1 diesel oil or kerosene (a gallon per day on lowest setting), in addition to sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Birding Boating Broom & Dust Pan Bunkbed(s) Cabin Rentals Fireplace Fishing Food Storage Locker	Heater Hunting Kayaking Lake Access River Access Table & Chairs Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
Before planning a trip, please be aware of the typical weather conditions for this area
Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
A high avalanche danger exists in this area in the winter and early spring
Due to the rocky terrain, please use caution when bringing children
Please pack out all trash and food
Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in this area
Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
58.31239, -133.95686
58°18'45"N, 133°57'25"W

The cabin is located 18 miles east of Juneau at the west end of Turner Lake. Access is by float plane or by boating up Taku Inlet and hiking 0.8 miles to the cabin.

In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please call the Juneau Ranger District to check on conditions ahead of time at (907) 586-8800. Turner Lake is typically not ice-free until June.

Some areas of Taku Inlet are quite shallow; be sure to check nautical charts and tide tables. Shallow draft boats are recommended.