About SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG
Overview Swan Lake Cabin is located on mainland Alaska along the southeast shore of Swan Lake. It is available for reservation year-round and provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting and viewing wildlife. The cabin also provides spectacular scenic views of the surrounding area. The cabin can be accessed only by float plane or helicopter. The adjacent lake is normally frozen from November through early June, further limiting access. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Favorable rock, ice and glacier climbing conditions are found throughout the area. The Cascade Creek Trail can be reached by boat from the cabin. Beginning at the west end of the lake, it leads to Falls Lake and a three-sided shelter about a mile away. The trail terminates at the Cascade Creek Cabin, 5 miles out, in Thomas Bay. Fishing and boating are also popular activities. Two rowboats with oars are available at the cabin, however, life jackets are not provided and guests must supply their own. Guests may also wish to bring a small outboard motor. Anglers may find rainbow trout in the lake. A sand bar for tent camping or picnicking is also available. Wildlife viewing and hunting are also popular pastimes. Hunting is available as per state or federal hunting regulations; click here for more information from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.Facilities The A-frame cabin was rebuilt in 2005-06 and has two wooden bunks and a sleeping loft to accommodate up to seven people. It is equipped with a table and benches and a clean-burning oil heater. An outhouse with pit toilets is provided. Water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes is not provided at the cabin. Water taken from the lake and the nearby stream should be treated or boiled before consumption. Guests are encouraged to bring their own drinking water if possible. Guests will need to bring their own s
How to Get There
The cabin is accessible only by float plane or helicopter, 18 miles from Petersburg. Refer to USGS topographic map Sumdum A3. Sumdum A2 may also be useful. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
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 SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG
Heading to SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG? 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 SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG?
No central reservation system listed for SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233012) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG?
The cabin is accessible only by float plane or helicopter, 18 miles from Petersburg. Refer to USGS topographic map Sumdum A3. Sumdum A2 may also be useful. Maps are available online or by calling the Petersburg Ranger District at (907) 772-3871.
How do I contact SWAN LAKE CABIN PETERSBURG?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-772-3871.
References & Official Resources