Petersburg Lake Cabin
THIS IS NOT THE PETERSON LAKE CABIN NEAR JUNEAU. Petersburg Lake Cabin offers a tranquil place to stay on the shores of a Wilderness lake in southeastern Alaska. It provides access to outstanding fishing opportunities, as well as hunting and wildlife viewing. This trail is in the process of being maintained, it is difficult to find at times and has many natural features such as large sections of beaver ponds and downed trees to navigate. If you intend on hiking in to this cabin please come prepared with map, compass, GPS and please know your route or discuss trail with Petersburg Ranger District prior to departure.
The cabin is accessible by float plane or by a boat-trail combination, dependent on tides. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
This pan-abode style cabin was constructed in 2003. It has two bunk beds with double space below and single above. The cabin is equipped with a table and benches and a wood stove for heat. Firewood is provided, but not guaranteed. An outhouse with a pit toilet is provided.
The only fresh water available is from the lake, creek or melted snow. Water taken from any outdoor source should be treated or boiled before consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinking water if possible.
Guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags and pads, lanterns and flashlights, cook stove and cooking gear, towels, food, clothing, fire starter and garbage bags, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned prior to leaving and all garbage and food needs to be carried out.
Click here for more cabin details and maps.
Need to Know
- 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
- This is not the Peterson Lake Cabin near Juneau
- This cabin is in a designated wilderness area; access by helicopter is illegal
- Tides affect access to this cabin if you plan to hike in from saltwater; consult local tide tables before making a reservation
- In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land); contact the Petersburg Ranger District office for information prior to making any reservations during these periods
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
- Firewood at the cabin is supplied only for heating the cabin, it is not for outdoor campfires; collect dead and down wood from the forest for your outdoor campfire
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Learn more about Tongass National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Natural Features
The cabin is located on Kupreanof Island, 9 miles northwest of Petersburg, in the Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness. The Petersburg Creek Valley is a glacial valley with a broad, flat bottom and steep sides. The area surrounding the lake and creek is flat; otherwise the terrain is steep. The setting is pristine, old-growth spruce and hemlock forest with scattered muskeg.
The area abounds with wildlife and wildflowers. The creek and lake are a haven for black bears and eagles, who feed on the spawning salmon there (learn about bear safety).
Recreation
The nearby creek offers outstanding steelhead, coho and sockeye fishing, while the lake boasts cutthroat trout and sockeye salmon. A rowboat and oars is available at the cabin, however, life jackets are not provided and guests should bring their own. Guests may also choose to bring a small outboard motor.
Attention Hikers: Petersburg Lake Trail is in very poor condition. The middle section of the trail, around mile marker 4 to 9.5, is very muddy, wet and not well marked. If you plan on hiking that part of the trail make sure and bring a map and compass and know how to use those tools. Rubber boots with non-slip soles are recommended. Portions of the trail have rotting and broken boards to beware of. We recommend avoiding this section of the trail if possible.
Hiking and hunting are popular activities. Hunting is available as per state or federal hunting regulations; click here for more information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Contact Information
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PO BOX 1328 PETERSBURG AK 99833
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-772-3871
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The cabin is accessible by float plane 9 miles from Petersburg, or by a boat-trail combination, dependent on tides. At high tide (15 feet or higher), access by boating 4 miles up Petersburg Creek to the high tide trailhead, then hiking 6.5 miles along the Petersburg Creek Trail. At lower tides, go a half-mile to the low tide trailhead at the city of Kupreanof's boat dock on the Wrangell Narrows. The hike from this trailhead is 10.3 miles.
Refer to USGS topographic map Petersburg D4. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
