Million Dollar Views for $35 per Night
There is no better way for sea kayakers to experience the wilderness of Southeast Alaska than with a trip to one of the 10 Forest Service cabins that are accessible by boat from Ketchikan. The Forest Service Cabins offer a warm, dry haven from our rainforest climate and are located in some of our best kayaking areas. Cabin tips are ideal for families or groups who are not interested in camping but want to experience the Alaskan wilderness. Most of the cabins are $35 per night which includes a stock of firewood at the cabins with wood stoves. The Cabins are basic: most are one room with wooden bunks and tables. Visitors bring all their own camping and cooking equipment and must bring stove oil for those cabins that use diesel heaters. Cabin kits are available for rent in Ketchikan and water taxi and kayak rentals are available at Southeast Sea Kayaks.

Jordan Lake Cabin
Jordan Lake Cabin is accessible only by floatplane or a hike from the Naha recreation Area. This cabin trip is a favorite with experienced kayakers who paddle from Knudson cove (in Ketchikan) to the Naha Recreation Area. The trip can also be done with a water taxi drop and pick-up at the trailhead. With three days you can experience a superb trip by combining a kayaking and hiking adventure with an overnight at the Jordan Lake Forest Service Cabin. The paddle from the put in at Knudson Cove offers fairly protected paddling. At the head of Naha Bay, Roosevelt Lagoon, flows out through a narrow chute into saltwater. The tide race here can be avoided by portaging the kayaks for about 100 yards around the falls. Paddle across Roosevelt Lagoon and leave the kayaks hidden in the forest then take the trail to Jordan Lake Cabin. The trail is well maintained and is a magnificent hike through the rain forest. You have good chances to black bear at the bear observatory along the way – especially in July and August. The trail will lead you to Jordan Lake Cabin which is perched on the water’s edge, with a row boat tied up out front. The trail continues to Heckman Lake which also has a cabin and makes for a fun day hike while you are staying at the cabin.

Fish Creek Cabin
24 nautical miles from Ketchikan, Fish Creek Cabin is a favorite with locals and visitors because of its excellent fishing. Fish Creek is a 1 - 2 day paddle from Ketchikan or about a 1.5 hour water taxi ride. The cabin is at the end of Thorne Arm and offers protected kayaking, fresh water and salt water fishing and crabbing as well as a hiking trail. Visitors to Fish Creek Cabin have observed black bears around the stream and Orcas in the salt water.

Winstanley Island Cabin
42 nautical miles from Ketchikan, Winstanley Island Cabin is nestled at the edge of Shoalwater Pass on one of the best beaches in the Misty Fjords, National Monument. Winstanley Island Cabin is a 2 - 3 day paddle from Ketchikan, or about a 2 hour water taxi ride from town. From Winstanley Island Cabin, kayakers can explore Checats Cove, the Behm Canal and New Eddystone Rock and Shoalwater Pass which is a great place to see both brown and black bears. Adventurous kayakers have even day tripped to Rudyerd Bay which is about a 20 mile round trip.

Blind Pass Cabin
44 nautical miles from Ketchikan, Blind Pass Cabin is tucked away in a narrow inlet and makes an excellent base for exploring the beautiful northern part of Revillagigedo Island. Blind Pass Cabin is a 2 day paddle from Ketchikan (if kayakers put in on the north end of the road system) or about a 2 hour water taxi ride from town. Using Blind Pass Cabin as a base, kayakers can explore Gedney Pass, Bell Arm and Bell Island or venture into Bailey Bay and hike to the Lake Shelocum Hot Springs. Once the salmon are running in July and August there is good saltwater fishing in the area.

The Cabins listed above are popular in the summer time so please book your cabin early to avoid disappointment.