Sitkoh Lake (West) Cabin
01 reviewSITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Sitkoh Lake (West) Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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
Cabin site fee is $50 per night during both peak and non-peak seasons. Reservation fees vary based on the method of booking: $8 online, $9 through the contact center, and $3 in-person. Additional fees apply for changes ($10 per modification) and cancellations ($10 cancellation fee plus forfeited first night's fee for late cancellations).
About this campground
Nestled on the pristine northwest shore of Sitkoh Lake, this secluded Pan abode-style cabin offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience deep within the Tongass National Forest. Perfect for groups of up to six adventurers, the cabin serves as your gateway to untamed beauty, where modern conveniences fade away in favor of wood stove warmth and candlelit evenings. While you'll need to pack in your sleeping bags, cooking gear, and life jackets, the rewards are immeasurable: world-class fishing at your doorstep, miles of backcountry trails, prime hunting grounds, wild berry patches bursting with seasonal treasures, and thrilling off-highway vehicle routes waiting to be explored.
Sitkoh Lake West Cabin provides a rustic and remote experience suited for small groups up to six people. It does not cater to RV or group camping but offers a single cabin for individual stays.
Historical SignificanceEchoes of Alaska's logging heritage whisper through the surrounding forests, where nature has slowly reclaimed old roads that once bustled with timber trucks. Six miles east, the ghostly remains of a logging camp at False Island stand as a testament to the region's industrial past, now overtaken by moss and memory. These forgotten pathways now serve as trails for modern explorers, connecting today's adventurers with the hardy souls who once harvested these ancient forests.
Weather and SeasonsTime your adventure between April and October, when Sitkoh Lake sheds its winter ice and transforms into a shimmering wilderness playground. As autumn approaches, crisp mountain air and golden light create perfect conditions for outdoor pursuits. Winter brings a dramatic transformation, with snow blanketing the landscape and ice sealing the lake, making access challenging but rewarding for those seeking true solitude. Early season visitors might encounter lingering snow on higher trails, while summer brings long days perfect for extended adventures under the midnight sun.
ElevationPerched at 194 feet above sea level, the cabin sits in a natural amphitheater where towering peaks rise dramatically to 2,500 feet, creating a stunning vertical landscape that shifts from lakeside tranquility to alpine grandeur. This elevation provides the perfect balance: low enough to avoid harsh alpine conditions, yet positioned to offer breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain wilderness that seems to touch the sky.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a cathedral of ancient spruce and hemlock, where centuries-old giants frame your lakeside retreat and filter sunlight into ethereal beams. The surrounding landscape unveils nature's bounty at every turn: emerald muskeg meadows dotted with ruby salmonberries in summer, slopes painted purple with wild blueberries, and mirror-still waters reflecting the forested mountains that stand sentinel around the lake. Keep your camera ready and your senses alert—brown bears regularly patrol these pristine shores, adding an element of raw wilderness that reminds visitors they're truly in Alaska's last frontier.
Geological RegionHidden within the vast expanse of Tongass National Forest on remote Chichagof Island, this wilderness sanctuary showcases Southeast Alaska's dramatic geography at its finest. The 2.5-mile-long lake, stretching half a mile at its widest point, fills an ancient valley carved by glaciers and time. Towering peaks cloaked in old-growth temperate rainforest create a natural fortress around this 194-foot elevation gem, where the world's largest intact temperate rainforest meets crystal-clear waters in a landscape that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features for individuals with disabilities are not explicitly mentioned. The cabin's remote location and required hiking, biking, or OHV ride may limit accessibility.
Sites SizeThe cabin itself is 12x14 ft and accommodates up to six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is positioned near the edge of Sitkoh Lake, surrounded by old-growth spruce and hemlock forest, offering significant privacy and seclusion.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring chainsaw for clearing fallen trees after storms. Pack all essentials, including food, water, and gear. Treat water from nearby creeks.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the only campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Maximum of 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests.
Groups
Group camping is not available.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin layout near the edge of Sitkoh Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from April 1 to October 31 for reservations. Closed during winter months due to frozen lake conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov, via the app, or by calling the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is mentioned; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyFor cabins, late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. No-shows incur a $20 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee. Early departures may not be eligible for refunds unless staff can mark the site as available to others.
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 Sitkoh Lake West Cabin provides access to a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, hiking, hunting, off-highway vehicle riding, and berry picking. "Sitkoh Lake supports cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden." Seasonal salmon runs occur in Sitkoh Creek for steelhead, pink, sockeye, and coho salmon during spring and summer months. Berry picking of seasonal salmonberries and blueberries is abundant. Deer hunting in the surrounding forest and waterfowl hunting in Sitkoh Bay are popular. "Although it is in poor condition, hikers can explore a 4.3-mile trail along Sitkoh Creek to Sitkoh Bay." Past logging has left isolated roads that are available for hiking and OHV riding.
Hiking
A 4.3-mile trail along Sitkoh Creek to Sitkoh Bay can be explored, although it is described as being in "poor condition." Logging roads around the area offer additional hiking and off-highway vehicle riding opportunities.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden in Sitkoh Lake, as well as seasonal salmon runs in Sitkoh Creek featuring steelhead, pink, sockeye, and coho salmon. "Be sure plug is in before launching boat. Tie skiff well up on shore and pull plug before leaving so boat does not fill with rain water."Biking
Biking is possible along the False Island road system and surrounding logging roads.Boating
A square-bowed skiff (rowboat) is provided at the cabin; optimal use requires a long-shaft 2-10 horsepower outboard motor, which is not included. "Each person in the skiff should wear a Coast Guard approved PFD."Wildlife viewing
The area is frequented by brown bears and offers opportunities for observing abundant wildlife such as deer and waterfowl.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly supported as the cabin is not maintained in winter and the lake may freeze, preventing floatplane access.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as rowing the provided skiff on Sitkoh Lake are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is scarce. Visitors should bring their own fire starter. Fires should be managed responsibly.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include brown bears, limited availability of firewood, and challenging access routes. Visitors should prepare for remote conditions, including weather delays.
Active alerts"As of 6/10/24, reports that one of the skiffs between East/West Sitkoh Lake is damaged/possibly out of service. Forest Service will update ASAP."
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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, approximately 35 miles away. For inquiries, contact Sitka Ranger District at 907-747-6671.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 1 – October 31
Trash and recycling"All garbage and food must packed out." Trash and recycling facilities are not mentioned; visitors are responsible for removing their refuse.
Proximity to water featuresSitkoh Lake is located directly adjacent to the cabin. Nearby inlet creeks offer additional access to water features.
Common complaintsSome reviews highlight challenges with access due to fallen trees after storms. One user review advises bringing a chainsaw to clear roads.
HostNo explicit mention of campground hosts.
Campground Map
SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK 99835, USA
Driving directionsAccessible generally mid-April through October. Located 35 air miles northeast of Sitka, on the southeast side of Chichagof Island, about 30 minutes by floatplane. Access is also possible by boat to Peril Strait, then hiking about 3 miles on logging road system. This mode of access is recommended only for those who know the area well.
Access to Sitkoh Lake West Cabin is remote and challenging. The primary route requires a 30-minute floatplane flight from Sitka, available April through October when the lake is ice-free. Alternatively, visitors can use a boat to Peril Strait and hike approximately 3 miles on logging roads. This option is recommended only for experienced travelers familiar with the area.Nearby places
Sitka (35 air miles northeast, 30-minute flight)
Nearby supplies
Visitors must pack in all essential supplies, including food, water, and gear. Water from nearby creeks must be treated. Contact Sitka Convention and Visitors Bureau at 907-747-5940 for boat or air charters and supply options.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Sitkoh Lake (West) Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and adventurous nature of the cabin and surrounding area. Positive mentions include the serene environment and quality of the cabin facilities, while concerns focus on the difficulty of access and weather challenges.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
"Cabin nice and wood in shed." "Great time staying there."
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Blown down trees in the area require significant effort to clear for access, as noted by one reviewer: "Bring a chainsaw. A lot of blown down trees on the road after windstorm."
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring essential equipment such as a chainsaw for clearing paths and necessary camping gear for a self-reliant stay.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter accessibility is highly limited due to frozen lake surfaces preventing floatplane landings. Summer reviews are likely more positive due to better access and weather conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Few hrs of cutting but well worth it." "Wife and I had a great time staying there. We will be back I’m sure."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mention the quality of the cabin facilities and challenges with road access during certain times.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility challenges are implied due to the remote location requiring hiking, biking, or OHV rides.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are not explicitly mentioned in either authoritative sources or user reviews.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025