Goulding Lake Cabin
01 reviewSITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Goulding Lake Cabin
$45.00 - $45.00 / 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
Facility rates are $45 per night irrespective of season. This does not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the untouched wilderness of Goulding Lake Cabin, where floatplanes are your only link to civilization. Perched on the remote western edge of Chichagof Island, this rustic retreat welcomes up to six adventurers seeking true Alaskan solitude. The cabin's cozy interior features a warm wood stove, a sleeping loft with panoramic wilderness views, and a comfortable double-sized bunk bed. While the accommodations are intentionally simple—including an outdoor outhouse—the experience is anything but ordinary. Here, self-reliance meets serenity as you bring your own supplies and create your own wilderness adventure in one of Alaska's most pristine locations.
Goulding Lake Cabin is primarily designed for cabin lodging and offers a remote wilderness camping experience.
Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Goulding Lake in dramatically different hues. Summer unfolds with gentle temperatures perfect for exploration, when wildflowers dot the muskegs and long daylight hours stretch your adventures. As autumn arrives, the landscape transforms into a tapestry of golds and crimsons. Winter brings a profound transformation—the lake becomes a frozen mirror and access becomes a true challenge, with harsh weather conditions often making the area completely unreachable. Spring's thaw awakens the wilderness with rushing streams and returning wildlife, though unpredictable conditions demand careful planning.
Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape where nature's contrasts create breathtaking beauty. The cabin sits amid gently rolling, lightly forested terrain near the tranquil waters of Otter Lake. Step outside to explore a mosaic of open muskegs—those uniquely Alaskan wetlands carpeted in moss and wildflowers—that give way to dense, towering forests climbing steep mountainsides. Above the treeline, alpine meadows burst with color in summer, offering spectacular hiking destinations. This diverse ecosystem serves as home to Alaska's mighty brown bears, who roam freely through this pristine wilderness, reminding visitors that here, humans are merely guests in nature's grand design.
Geological RegionNestled within the magnificent West Chichagof-Yakobi Wilderness Area, Goulding Lake occupies a spectacular corner of Chichagof Island's western frontier. This geological wonderland showcases Southeast Alaska's dramatic terrain, where ancient forces carved a landscape of remarkable diversity. Open muskegs stretch like natural gardens between densely forested slopes that rise sharply from sea level. The region's unique geography creates distinct microclimates and ecosystems, from the spongy wetlands at lower elevations to the windswept alpine meadows crowning the peaks. This protected wilderness represents one of the last truly wild places in North America, where geological time moves at nature's pace.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit details about accessibility features for disabled individuals are included in the source.
Sites SizeThe cabin is designed to accommodate up to six individuals.
Sites PrivacyThe campground is located in a flat, lightly wooded area offering a moderate level of privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesEnsure you bring sufficient water treatment equipment, sleeping gear, and personal flotation devices. A topographic map is recommended for exploration.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in starts at 10:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 12:00 AM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Accommodates up to six people per cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin layout with an A-frame structure, sleeping loft, and basic facilities.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen late May through October, but may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surfaces from November to early May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov online platform.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up reservations available due to remote access by floatplane only.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations incur a $10 change fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night's fees and incur a $10 cancellation fee.
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
Potable water
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at Goulding Lake Cabin include hiking, fishing, camping, and boating. Photography opportunities abound due to the area's natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to bring inflatable watercraft to explore connected lakes. Fishing is possible, but it is slow in the region.
Hiking
Exploration of lakes and nearby high alpine meadows is possible. A topographic map is recommended for hiking.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include catching cutthroat trout below the falls and in the lower lake west of the cabin, available year-round. Dolly Varden fishing is also year-round, while steelhead and coho are seasonal. Fishing is slow in the area.Swimming
While there is no designated swimming area mentioned, the lakes in the vicinity are accessible for water activities.Boating
Visitors are encouraged to bring pack rafts or inflatable boats to explore Goulding Lake and Otter Lake as there is no boat provided on-site.Wildlife viewing
Brown bears are frequent in the area, offering wildlife viewing opportunities. Caution is advised.Winter Activities
The cabin may become inaccessible from November through early May due to frozen lake conditions, limiting winter recreational options.Water Sports
Pack rafts or inflatable boats are encouraged for exploring the lakes, providing opportunities for non-motorized water sports.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood may be in short supply. Visitors should bring their own fire starter equipment.
Hazards
General hazardsPresence of brown bears, extreme weather conditions, and frozen lake surfaces in winter.
Active alertsSite inaccessible from November to early May due to frozen lake surfaces.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 87%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
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
Closest emergency services are in Sitka, accessible by floatplane. Contact Sitka Ranger District at 907-747-6671 for emergencies.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 - September 30.
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by visitors. Trash facilities are not available on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the northwest shore of Otter Lake, with access to Goulding Lake to the east. Lakes are connected.
Common complaintsNo boat provided at the lake; visitors must bring their own inflatable watercraft.
Campground Map
SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Driving directionsAccessible late May through October. Otter Lake, one of four lakes in the Goulding Lakes System, is located about 60 miles northwest of Sitka on the western edge of Chichagof Island. Access is by floatplane only, about a 50-minute flight from Sitka or Juneau. Refer to USGS topographic map Sitka D-7.
Access is limited to floatplane only, with a flight duration of approximately 50 minutes from Sitka or Juneau. Floatplanes cannot land during winter or early spring due to frozen lake surfaces.Nearby places
Sitka (60 miles northwest, accessible by floatplane in approximately 50 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Closest supplies are available in Sitka. Visitors must bring all necessities as the site is remote and offers no grocery or fuel services.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Goulding Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Goulding Lake Cabin is highly rated for its solitude and outdoor activities but has limitations like the lack of a boat and basic facilities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Beautiful location, wilderness experience, and outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking and fishing.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The boat is no longer available; visitors must bring their own inflatable boats for exploring the lakes. Limited fishing opportunities were noted.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring essential items like inflatable watercraft, topographic maps, treated water, and bear safety equipment.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The cabin is accessible from late May through October, offering ideal conditions for camping. Winter months may pose challenges due to frozen lake conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'This is a great location with lots of outdoor activities. The boat is gone, so bring your own.' - Vince M.
2. 'Visitors should bring their own sleeping bags, cooking gear, and personal flotation...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Only campsite-specific review is from Vince M., who rated site S02, loop CHCI, with a 3/5 overall rating.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility features are available.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically related to pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025