Humpback Lake Cabin
01 reviewHumpback Lake Cabin
$45.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak Season (May 1 - Sept 30): $60 per night. Non-Peak Season (Oct 1 - Dec 31): $45 per night. Discounts are not reflected in the displayed rates.
About this campground
Nestled deep within the pristine Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness, Humpback Lake Cabin offers an extraordinary escape into one of Alaska's most breathtaking landscapes. This year-round sanctuary sits quietly beside its namesake glacier-carved lake, providing adventurers with an authentic wilderness experience despite the presence of a nearby commercial lodge. Here, where the Inside Passage reveals its most dramatic secrets, visitors find themselves immersed in a world of towering granite walls, ancient forests, and the timeless rhythms of untamed Alaska.
Humpback Lake Cabin provides a unique cabin accommodation experience in a remote wilderness setting. It is not a traditional campground with multiple site types.
Historical SignificanceHumpback Lake Cabin stands as a gateway to the legendary Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness, a 2.2-million-acre testament to the raw power of nature and the wisdom of preservation. This protected landscape represents one of America's most pristine wilderness areas, where ancient glaciers carved dramatic fjords and left behind a masterpiece of geological artistry. The monument serves as a living museum of ecological processes, protecting habitats that have remained largely unchanged for millennia and offering visitors a glimpse into a world where nature still reigns supreme.
Weather and SeasonsThe wilderness here dances to Alaska's dramatic seasonal rhythms, transforming from a liquid paradise of paddling opportunities to a frozen wonderland that challenges even seasoned adventurers. Winter months see the lake surface freeze solid, creating both obstacles and opportunities for those seeking solitude. The region's famously mercurial weather demands respect and preparation—sudden storms can sweep through the fjords, temperatures can plummet without warning, and fog can transform familiar landscapes into mysterious realms. Smart travelers pack for all conditions and embrace the adventure that comes with Alaska's untamed climate.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data awaits official documentation, the cabin's mountain lake setting places it within the dramatic vertical landscape that defines Misty Fiords, where peaks soar thousands of feet above sea level and create their own weather systems.
Natural Features and SceneryImagine waking to mirror-like waters reflecting towering granite cliffs that rise like natural cathedrals from the forest floor. Humpback Lake, sculpted by ancient glaciers, serves as the centerpiece of a landscape that defies superlatives. Old-growth giants—Sitka spruce, western red cedar, and western hemlock—create a emerald tapestry that has thrived here for centuries, their moss-draped branches sheltering an ecosystem teeming with life. This is the domain of Alaska's most iconic wildlife: brown bears fish along hidden streams, Sitka black-tailed deer pick their way through the understory, wolves sing their ancient songs, and elusive martens dart through the canopy. Moose browse in marshy meadows while diverse waterfowl paint the skies and waters with their seasonal migrations.
Geological RegionThe Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness showcases nature's most dramatic sculptural work, where massive glaciers once carved deep U-shaped valleys and polished granite walls to a mirror shine. This geological wonderland tells a story written in stone and ice over millions of years. Sheer cliff faces plunge directly into deep waters, creating fjords that rival those of Norway. The bedrock here speaks of ancient volcanic activity and tectonic forces, while the lush temperate rainforest—dominated by towering Sitka spruce, aromatic cedar, and stately western hemlock—represents one of the planet's most productive ecosystems. Every view reveals layers of geological history, from glacier-scoured valleys to hanging waterfalls that cascade from heights that challenge comprehension.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Humpback Lake Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin is small, measuring 12x14 feet, and accommodates up to six individuals.
Sites PrivacyHumpback Lake Cabin is secluded and offers privacy due to its remote location within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesPack adequate supplies, including water treatment equipment, firewood, and safety gear due to the remote nature of the cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 nights during a single visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabin sleeps up to 6 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin setup.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov online or through their app.
Walk-in AvailabilityNot available; reservations must be made in advance.
Cancellation PolicyFor cabins, late cancellations apply starting from midnight 14 calendar days before your scheduled check-in. A $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's recreation use fee will be deducted. Reservations can be canceled anytime before the date of your scheduled arrival.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The activities available at Humpback Lake Cabin emphasize outdoor recreation and exploration. Guests can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking
A 3-mile scenic hike to Mink Bay is accessible via the Humpback Creek Trailhead. The trail begins at the north edge of a large log jam near the west end of the lake.Fishing
The lake provides excellent fishing opportunities for Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout.Boating
A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is available for guests to use at the cabin. However, guests must bring their own life jackets.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, martens, moose, and various waterfowl.Winter Activities
Winter access may be impacted by frozen lake surfaces, which could restrict floatplane landing. No specific winter activities are listed.Water Sports
Guests may engage in rowing and fishing, but no other water sports are explicitly mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood cannot be guaranteed; guests should bring their own firewood or biobricks.
- Quiet hours are null
Hazards
General hazardsThe area is home to a large population of brown bears. Weather and water safety are critical; guests should be prepared for emergencies and extended stays due to unpredictable conditions.
Active alertsSeasonal frozen lake surfaces can impact accessibility. High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in the area.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 98%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.2 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingGuests are expected to pack out all trash and food. No formal trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresDirect access to Humpback Lake.
Hostnull
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe cabin is approximately 48 air miles southeast of Ketchikan, east of Mink Bay on the mainland and is accessible by floatplane. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. Refer to USGS Ketchikan A-2. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). Contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
Accessible only by floatplane; Helicopter access is prohibited. Seasonal limitations exist due to frozen lake surfaces during fall, winter, and early spring.Nearby places
Ketchikan: approximately 48 air miles southeast
Nearby supplies
Closest amenities and supplies are in Ketchikan, approximately 48 air miles away.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Humpback Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No extensive reviews are provided about Humpback Lake Cabin. One comment highlights the distinction between the Forest Service cabin and a nearby private chalet.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
One review clarifies the Google listings and mentions the accurate geographic placement of the Forest Service cabin.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
No specific complaints are mentioned.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
The review advises users to verify the correct location of the cabin on Google Earth before booking.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are provided in user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"There are two cabins on Humpback Lake. The images that appear on Google are of the privately owned 'Chalet' but the link takes you to the recreation.gov for the 'forest service' cabin. The location...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews are provided.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews are available regarding accessibility experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No pet-related reviews are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025