About TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN
Overview Turner Lake West Cabin is extremely popular and considered to be one of the most beautiful cabins on the Tongass National Forest. It is open for year-round enjoyment, offering scenic views and access to a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane, motor boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon in Turner Lake. Pink salmon and Dolly Varden is available in the Turner River and Taku Inlet. A 0.8 mile trail goes from the ocean to the cabin. A skiff with oars is available at the cabin, but guests must provide their own flotation devices. Guests can bring a small outboard to attach to the skiff. The Turner Creek and mudflats may be difficult to navigate in lower tides, so a shallow draft boat or kayak is recommended. During high tides, larger inboard/outboard boats can navigate the inlet. Tide charts should be consulted; click here for more info. Bear, mountain goat and waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits.Facilities This is a chalet-style log cabin that has a fireplace with beautiful stonework. It sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, an oil heater, a cooler box for food storage, an outhouse and food preparation space. Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake or a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided. Visitors must bring a supply of #1 diesel oil or kerosene (one gallon per day on lowest setting), in addition to sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, g
How to Get There
The cabin is located 18 miles east of Juneau at the west end of Turner Lake. Access is by float plane or by boating up Taku Inlet and hiking 0.8 miles to the cabin. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please call the Juneau Ranger District to check on conditions ahead of time at (907) 586-8800. Turner Lake is typically not ice-free until June. Some areas of Taku Inlet are quite shallow; be sure to check nautical charts and tide tables. Shallow draft boats or high tides for inboard/outboard boats are recommended.
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 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
- 💧
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 TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN
Heading to TURNER LAKE WEST 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 TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232942) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN?
The cabin is located 18 miles east of Juneau at the west end of Turner Lake. Access is by float plane or by boating up Taku Inlet and hiking 0.8 miles to the cabin. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please call the Juneau Ranger District to check on conditions ahead of time at (907) 586-8800. Turner Lake is typica…
How do I contact TURNER LAKE WEST CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907 789-6264.
References & Official Resources
