About JIMS LAKE CABIN
Overview Jim's Lake Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a remote wilderness lodging experience in the Tongass National Forest. The rustic cabin is located on the northwest end of Jim's Lake, an isolated area in the south-central portion of Admiralty Island. The small lake is away from many flight paths. Access to the cabin is by floatplane only. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing are all within the vicinity of the cabin. Anglers will find Jim's Lake to be a scenic setting for catching cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon. Visitors are welcome to use the skiff with oars available at the cabin, and may choose to bring a small outboard motor. The motor must be less than 10 horsepower due to wilderness regulations. Personal floatation devices are not provided. Facilities The primitive, pre-cut cedar pan-abode style log cabin sleeps up to six people on wooden bunkbeds without mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Firewood is generally stacked in a woodshed near the cabin, but it is not guaranteed. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, matches, cooking gear/utensils, light source, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Water from any natural site must be filtered, boiled or chemically treated before drinking. Click here for more cabin details.Natural Features The cabin sits on a small rocky rise overlooking Jim's Lake, at an elevation of 232 feet. It is hemmed in by dense old-growth forest with views to distant glacier-capped peaks The cabin is located in the Kootznoowoo Wilderness which encompasses 956,255 acres of Admiralty Island. Dense spruce and hemlock forests, lakes and muskeg define the landscape, while distant rocky peaks tower along the isla
How to Get There
Access to the cabin is by floatplane only. It is about a 50-minute flight from Juneau. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). The lake is normally ice free from mid-May through November. Refer to USGS topographic map Sitka C-1, C-2. Click here for information about reaching Forest Service cabins.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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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.
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 JIMS LAKE CABIN
Heading to JIMS LAKE 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 JIMS LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for JIMS LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232925) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to JIMS LAKE CABIN?
Access to the cabin is by floatplane only. It is about a 50-minute flight from Juneau. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). The lake is normally ice free from mid-May through November. Refer to USGS topographic map Sitka C-1, C-2. Clic…
How do I contact JIMS LAKE CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-586-8800.
References & Official Resources
