About KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)
Overview Kennel Creek Cabin is located near Kennel Creek along the south shore of Freshwater Bay, on the northeast side of Chichagof Island. It offers visitors excellent opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery and wildlife. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities. The cabin is generally available year-round, depending on weather, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska. For questions regarding cabin access and before driving to the cabin from Hoonah, please check in with the Hoonah Ranger District (430 Airport Road) during business hours or call 907-945-3631 for road conditions and cabin access. The cabin may be inaccessible via road for many months of the year. Recreation The cabin has good access to hunting and both freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. For information about hunting and fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. There is also a boat ramp and dock facility nearby.Facilities The 16 X 22-ft. milled cedar log cabin has a sleeping loft, balcony and deck. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people. There is one single over double bunk on the main floor and a full sleeping loft. Inside, the cabin features a food preparation counter, a sturdy wood table with 4 benches and a wood stove for heat. Outside there is a large picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and firewood shelter. The first level of the cabin, the main deck, and vault toilet and picnic table are all accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities. Firewood is not provided; however, a small woodshed nearby allows visitors to store and keep firewood dry for use at the cabin. Cabin users must provide their own firewood
How to Get There
Kennel Creek Cabin is located approximately 19 air miles southeast of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the south shore of Freshwater Bay. Access is by vehicle, float plane, or boat. Total distance by gravel road is approximately 27 miles. By road travel south from Hoonah past the airport. Where the road turns to gravel, drive 2 miles to the “T” intersection, turn right toward Freshwater Bay. Drive 25 miles on National Forest System road 8502/8508, veer left at all “Y” intersections. The cabin is located at the end of a short access road on your left. Road maps are avaliable at the Hoonah Ranger District office during weekday business hours.
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 10 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
- ☔
Rain jacket / shell
61% chance of precipitation in the forecast.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 6)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
- 🛍
Dry bags for electronics
Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
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 KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)
Heading to KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)? 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 KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)?
No central reservation system listed for KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK). Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234721) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)?
Kennel Creek Cabin is located approximately 19 air miles southeast of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the south shore of Freshwater Bay. Access is by vehicle, float plane, or boat. Total distance by gravel road is approximately 27 miles. By road travel south from Hoonah past the airport. Where the road turns to gravel, drive 2 miles to the “T” intersection, turn right toward Freshwater Bay. Drive 25…
How do I contact KENNEL CREEK CABIN (AK)?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-945-3631 or email: wdick@fs.fed.us.
References & Official Resources