About BIG SHAHEEN CABIN
Overview Big Shaheen Cabin offers guests an opportunity for recreation, relaxation and a unique wilderness lodging experience in the central part of Admiralty Island in the Tongass National Forest. The remote site offers a scenic setting for hiking, fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The cabin is one of three on Hasselborg Lake, which is seven miles long and part of the Admiralty Island Canoe Route. Access to the cabin is float plane or canoe with portage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Hasselborg Lake offers fishing for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon. A small fishing boat with oars is provided at the cabin. Guests will need to bring their own life jackets and may choose to bring a small (10-horsepower), outboard motor. Little Shaheen cabin is close by, connected by a 100-yard trail. Other trails can be accessed by boat. From Hasselborg Lake, trails lead to Lake Guerin, Beaver Lake, Lake McKinney, and Hasselborg River. Lake Guerin and Beaver Lake are on the Admiralty Island Canoe Route, offering guests access to pristine wilderness settings.Facilities The log cabin has two bedrooms and a living room/kitchen area. It is furnished with wooden bunks (no mattresses) and can accommodate up to eight people. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a cooking counter, an oil stove for heat, a broom and an outside toilet. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, matches, cooking gear/utensils, light source, No.1 stove oil (estimate about 10 to 20 gallons per week), toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water from any natural site must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking.Natural Features At an elevation of 300 feet, the cabin is situated under a canopy of old growth forest, at the edge of scen
How to Get There
Access to the cabin is by float plane or canoe with portage. It is about a 45-minute flight from Juneau. By canoe and portage, it is about 10 miles from Mole Harbor. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. In the fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). The lake is typically ice-free from mid-May through November. Refer to USGS topographic map Sitka C-1, C-2.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 9 mph).
- 👖
Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
65% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to BIG SHAHEEN CABIN
Heading to BIG SHAHEEN CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for BIG SHAHEEN CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for BIG SHAHEEN CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232922) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to BIG SHAHEEN CABIN?
Access to the cabin is by float plane or canoe with portage. It is about a 45-minute flight from Juneau. By canoe and portage, it is about 10 miles from Mole Harbor. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. In the fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). The lake is typically ice-…
How do I contact BIG SHAHEEN CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-586-8800.
References & Official Resources