Overview Plotnikof Lake Cabin is located on Baranof Island within the South Baranof Wilderness Area, 45 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin is generally available mid-June to October and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can b…
Overview Plotnikof Lake Cabin is located on Baranof Island within the South Baranof Wilderness Area, 45 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin is generally available mid-June to October and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed by floatplane only, weather permitting. From Sitka, it's 40-minute plane ride, then a 100-foot walk to the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.Recreation Plotnikof Lake and its inlet stream on the north shore offer fair rainbow trout fishing. Steelhead runs occur from mid-May to early June on the outlet stream on south shore; coho salmon from late August through September. The 1.2-mile Davidof Lake Trail begins behind the cabin, ending at an outlet stream on Davidof Lake. The trail is not maintained and can be difficult to find. Hunters willing to walk some distance from cabin will find good deer hunting in the surrounding area. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.Facilities The 12 x 14-ft wood, Pan abode-style cabin can accommodate up to six people. It offers two double plywood bunks and two single plywood bunks. Amenities include an oil stove for heat, a table with benches, a cooking counter, broom, axe or splitting maul, outdoor screened cooler box and an outhouse toilet.The cabin does not include heating oil, mattresses or cooking utensils. Visitors should bring #1 diesel oil (generally 10 gallons for a three-day stay, more of 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, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended. Firewood is not provided for campfires; gather dead and down wood.Water is available from the lake or a nearby inlet stream, but must b
Photos
Plotnikof Lake Cabin13 — USFSPlotnikof Lake Cabin — USFSPLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN11 — USFSPLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN14 — USFSPLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN12 — USFSPlotnikof Lake Cabin — USFSPlotnikof Lake Cabin16 — USFSPlotnikof Lake Cabin4 — USFSPLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN2q — Plotnikof Lake CabinPlotnikof Lake Cabin6 — USFSPLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN5 — USFS
How to Get There
Accessible early June through October. This cabin is located 45 miles southeast of Sitka, 4 miles east of Whale Bay, on the south-central part of Baranof Island. Access by floatplane is 40 minutes from Sitka. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic map Port Alexander C-3.
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 PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN
Heading to PLOTNIKOF 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 PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233044) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN?
Accessible early June through October. This cabin is located 45 miles southeast of Sitka, 4 miles east of Whale Bay, on the south-central part of Baranof Island. Access by floatplane is 40 minutes from Sitka. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic map Port Alexander C-3.
How do I contact PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-747-6671 or email: [email protected].
