About SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN
Overview The Salt Chuck East Cabin is located on Kupreanof Island on the east side of the Duncan Salt Chuck. It provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane only. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The Portage Mountain Loop Trail is a primitive trail leading from the cabin to Portage Bay (Goose Cove) and Petersburg Lake. The trail is especially primitive and hard to follow between Goose Cove and Petersburg Lake, which is why few people hike that section of the trail. Fishing opportunities abound and anglers will find abundant steelhead in April and May, coho salmon in August and September and trout from June to September. A rowboat and oars are available at the cabin, however life jackets are not provided and visitors must bring their own. Guests may also choose to bring a small outboard motor. Hunting is available as per state or federal hunting regulations; click here for more information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Facilities The modified A-frame cabin has two wooden bunks and a sleeping loft that can accommodate up to seven people. It is equipped with a table, benches and a clean-burning oil heater. An outhouse with a pit toilet is provided. Water for drinking, cooking and cleaning is not provided at the cabin. The nearest water source is a small creek near the cabin. Water taken from any outdoor source should be treated or boiled before consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring drinking water if possible. Guests will need to bring their own sleeping bags and pads, cook stove and cooking gear, towels, food and clothing, fire starter and garbage bags, among other necessities. Guests are advised to bring enough kerosene or No. 1 heating oil for the oil heater. It burns at a rate of approximately one gallon per day. Oil is not supplied at the cabin.
How to Get There
From Petersburg, the journey is is 15 miles by float plane or 40 miles by boat. A 14-foot tide is necessary to access this cabin by boat, and the rapids at the entrance to the Salt Chuck are navigable only at high slack tide (up to 45 minutes after high tide). Please check current conditions prior to your trip. Click here for more information. The cabin can be found on USGS topographic map Petersburg D4. Petersburg, C3, C4, D3 and D5 may also be helpful. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
- 👕
Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
- 🧢
Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 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 SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN
Heading to SALT CHUCK EAST 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 SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232993) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN?
From Petersburg, the journey is is 15 miles by float plane or 40 miles by boat. A 14-foot tide is necessary to access this cabin by boat, and the rapids at the entrance to the Salt Chuck are navigable only at high slack tide (up to 45 minutes after high tide). Please check current conditions prior to your trip. Click here for more information. The cabin can be found on USGS topographic map Petersb…
How do I contact SALT CHUCK EAST CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-772-3871.
References & Official Resources
