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PIPER ISLAND CABIN

Port Alexander, Alaska · Sitka County · Campground

Overview Piper Island Cabin is located on a small island within Fish Bay, 30 miles north of Sitka, Alaska on Baranof Island. The modified A-frame cabin is available year-round, weather permitting, and was built in 1994 by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and a group of local Sitka volunteers. This is a …

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About PIPER ISLAND CABIN

Overview Piper Island Cabin is located on a small island within Fish Bay, 30 miles north of Sitka, Alaska on Baranof Island. The modified A-frame cabin is available year-round, weather permitting, and was built in 1994 by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station and a group of local Sitka volunteers. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed only by boat or floatplane. From Sitka, it's a 1.5 hour boat ride or a 20-minute plane ride. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.Recreation Recreational opportunities include beachcombing along the sandy beach, wildlife viewing, saltwater fishing, crabbing and seasonal deer hunting. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.Facilities The 16 by 16-ft wood, modified A-frame cabin can accommodate up to seven people. An open sleeping loft, reached by vertical ladder, offers no bunks but overlooks the dining area below. The main level of the cabin contains one double plywood bunk and one single plywood bunk. An oil stove for heat, a table with benches, a cooking counter, broom and an outhouse toilet are provided. A large skylight offers natural light over the dining area. The cabin does not include heating oil, mattresses or cooking utensils. Visitors should bring #1 diesel fuel (generally 10 gallons for a three-day stay, more or less depending on the time of year), sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended. No reliable water source is available on Piper Island. The closest water source is from a stream on Baranof Island, about a half-mile from the cabin by boat. Treat all water before using. Visitors should bring their own supply of water. A mooring buoy is available for boat anchorage on first-come, first-served basis. The cabin re

How to Get There

Accessible year round by floatplane or boat, weather permitting. Located 30 miles north of Sitka within Schulze Cove, on the north side of Fish Bay, the northwest coast of Baranof Island. From Sitka, boat access is 90 minutes, air access is 20 minutes. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic map Sitka B-5. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the cabin.

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 PIPER ISLAND CABIN

Heading to PIPER ISLAND 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 PIPER ISLAND CABIN?

No central reservation system listed for PIPER ISLAND CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233051) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to PIPER ISLAND CABIN?

Accessible year round by floatplane or boat, weather permitting. Located 30 miles north of Sitka within Schulze Cove, on the north side of Fish Bay, the northwest coast of Baranof Island. From Sitka, boat access is 90 minutes, air access is 20 minutes. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic map Sitka B-5. Please consult local tide tables before departing for the c…

How do I contact PIPER ISLAND CABIN?

You can reach the park at phone: 907-747-6671 or email: SM.FS.r10_sitka_rd@usda.gov.