Situk Lake Cabin
SITUK LAKE CABIN
Part of Tongass National Forest
Overview
Situk Lake Cabin is located 14 miles northeast of Yakutat. It is situated on the eastern shore of Situk Lake, within the Russell Fjord Wilderness. The cabin is open for year-round enjoyment, offering opportunities for recreation and wildlife watching.
The site can be accessed by floatplane or by hiking forest service maintained trails. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Facilities
This 16x12-ft. pan-abode style cabin sleeps four people with four single bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, axe, picnic table and outhouse. A multi-fuel stove is provided for heat that burns either oil or wood.
Water, heating oil and electricity are not provided. Water can be taken from Situk Lake, but it should be treated before using. Visitors must supply #1 diesel oil or kerosene for the heater, and an empty 5-gallon fuel tank is provided.
Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, a cooking stove, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns, flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, first aid kit, 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.
Natural Features
The cabin sits on relatively flat terrain surrounded by a forest of old-growth Sitka spruce. On a clear day, Mount St. Elias can be seen from the lake. A shallow beach sits in front of the cabin, and a small stream is to the right.
The Situk Lake Trail winds 3 miles through old-growth forest and muskeg and offers views of the Brabazon Mountains as hikers make their way to the cabin.
Local wildlife includes brown and black bears, moose, bald eagles and trumpeter swans. Situk Lake attracts a variety of nesting waterfowl.
Recreation
The lake offers outstanding fishing for king, sockeye, coho and pink salmon, as well as steelhead, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but must provide their own flotation devices.
The Mountain Lake Trail starts from the cabin for a round-trip hike of 4 miles. The trail features numerous mountain streams and lakes, old-growth Sitka spruce forest and access to the Brabazon Mountains and Mountain Lake.
Hunting is allowed in this area in designated seasons with a permit.
Important Notices
- 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
- Water is not available at the cabin; visitors must provide their own drinking water
- Please pack out all trash and food
- Click here for more information 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.
- Users must bring their own #1 deasil heating fuel for the stove
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Boating
Directions
The cabin is located 14 miles northeast of Yakutat on the eastern shore of Situk Lake. Access is by trail or floatplane. Please contact the Yakutat Ranger District for information at (907) 784-3359 prior to making reservations during these periods.
The Situk Lake Trail starts at the end of East Gate Road and is 3 miles to the cabin. The trail can be very wet.
Contact Information
Phone: (907) 784-3359
YAKUTAT RANGER DISTRICT OFFICE
P.O. BOX 327
YAKUTAT,
AK
99689
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