About SARKAR LAKE CABIN
Overview Sarkar Lake Cabin offers guests recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, canoeing and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin. The site can either be accessed by vehicle and a two mile boat trip, or by float plane. Canoeing is a common way to access the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The Sarkar Lakes Canoe Route offers boaters the opportunity to explore a relatively pristine area of lakes and islands, where salmon streams enter the lake and bears and deer are frequently spotted. The entire route is 16 miles, with 3 miles of portage. Boaters should plan ahead and prepare for changing weather conditions and always wear personal floatation devices when boating. A developed boat launch and parking area provides easy access to the canoe route, and rental companies will deliver boats and gear upon request. Check with the Chamber of Commerce for details. Anglers will find Sarkar Lake to be a quiet, scenic spot for a variety of trout and salmon fishing. The Sarkar Rapids burst with sockeye salmon each July, attracting black bears and harbor seals. Bird watchers are also drawn to the Sarkar area because of its wide array of waterfowl. Hunters can take advantage of the long hunting season in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through the late fall.Facilities The cabin is a 12 x 12 foot primitive, pre-cut cedar log cabin (pan-abode style) furnished with wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to six guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, an axe, splitting maul, fire extinguisher and a broom. Firewood may be available, but the supply can
How to Get There
Sarkar Lake Cabin is accessible either by vehicle and then boating in, or by float plane. The Sarkar Cabin boat launch is located on Forest Road 20 about 40 miles from Craig. From Craig, head north on State Highway 929 to Control Lake Junction. From Control Lake Junction, travel Forest Service Road 20 for 40 miles to Sarkar Lake. The cabin is approximately 2 miles from the parking area by boat.The boat is provided by the Forest Service and uses a long shaft motor, but visitors will have to bring their own. Note: the 2-mile paddle to Sarkar Cabin winds around several islands in its route. Visitors who have never been to the cabin should make sure to bring a good map of the lake system, as it can be difficult to find the cabin through the maze of islands and similar land forms around lake. Visitors may obtain a detailed map from the visitor center or district office. Refer to USGS map Craig D-4. Click here for information about reaching Forest Service Cabins. The cabin is also accessible by float plane, 76 air miles from Ketchikan and 53 miles from Thorne Bay. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface. Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days Please contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 prior to arrival for more deta
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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Moisture-wicking T-shirt
Light color, breathable.
- 🩳
Lightweight shorts or pants
Quick-dry preferred — sweat dries fast.
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Brimmed sun hat
Better than a cap for back-of-neck protection.
- 🥾
Trail runners
Breathable mesh uppers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
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First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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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 SARKAR LAKE CABIN
Heading to SARKAR 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 SARKAR LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for SARKAR LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233062) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SARKAR LAKE CABIN?
Sarkar Lake Cabin is accessible either by vehicle and then boating in, or by float plane. The Sarkar Cabin boat launch is located on Forest Road 20 about 40 miles from Craig. From Craig, head north on State Highway 929 to Control Lake Junction. From Control Lake Junction, travel Forest Service Road 20 for 40 miles to Sarkar Lake. The cabin is approximately 2 miles from the parking area by boat.The…
References & Official Resources