About KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN
Overview Kathleen Lake Cabin offers recreation, relaxation and a unique wilderness lodging experience on the western section of Admiralty Island in the Tongass National Forest. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, boating and wildlife viewing. Access to the cabin is floatplane only. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Anglers will find Kathleen Lake to be a scenic setting for catching a variety of fish including rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and northern pike. Visitors are welcome to use the skiff with oars available at the cabin. Visitors must bring personal floatation devices (life vests).Facilities The primitive, pre-cut cedar, A-frame style log cabin sleeps up to six people on wooden bunkbeds without mattresses and sleeping loft. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, an oil stove for heat and an outside toilet. Other amenities include cooking counters, shelves, cupboard space and a broom. The cabin does not have running water or electricity, and visitors must bring their own food, water, #1 stove oil (, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stoves, matches, cooking gear/utensils, light source, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. The lands surrounding the Forest Service property and cabin belong to the Shee Atika Corporation. A permit is required for any activity on corporation land. Entry without a permit will be considered trespassing and subject to legal action. The cost of the permit for noncommercial users is $25/person for up to 7 consecutive days. This fee-based permit was instituted by Shee Atika during the summer of 2004. To obtain a permit, call the Shee Atika office at (907) 747-3534 or toll free at 1-800-478-3534. (The forested land immediately surrounding the cabin is Forest Service land and does not require a permit.Natural Features The cabin sits on level ground within steps of a small beach. Although this cabin sits beneath a can
How to Get There
Access to the cabin is by floatplane. It is about a 30-minute flight from Juneau. 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 D-2, D-3.
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.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
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 KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN
Heading to KATHLEEN 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 KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233066) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN?
Access to the cabin is by floatplane. It is about a 30-minute flight from Juneau. 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 D-2, D-3.
How do I contact KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-586-8800.
References & Official Resources
