About KOOK LAKE CABIN
Overview Kook Lake Cabin sits on the west end of Kook Lake, approximately 45 miles northeast of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin is available May through November, weather permitting, and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. The cabin is remote and accessible by floatplane, weather permitting, 30 minutes from either Sitka or Juneau. The cabin can also be reached by a boat and hiking trip. The cabin is about an 8-mile hike from Corner Bay. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.Recreation Visitors enjoy hiking on a network of old logging roads of the the Corner Bay road system near the cabin. The 0.7-mile Kook Lake Trail begins behind the cabin and ends at Forest Road 7540, part of the Corner Bay road system. The trail is not maintained and crosses through many muskegs. It can be very wet, muddy and hard to follow. On Road 7540, it is a 7-mile hike to Tenakee Inlet and Corner Bay, the site of a former logging camp, now uninhabited. Tenakee Springs is located across Tenakee Inlet. Cutthroat and Dolly Varden fishing is available year-round in the lake. Good runs of sockeye occur during July and August, and coho salmon during late August and early September. Seasonal deer and bear hunting is also available. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.Facilities The wood A-frame cabin measures 16 by 16 feet and has one double plywood bunk on the main level, and an upstairs sleeping loft with no bunks reached by climbing a vertical ladder. A wood stove for heat, a table with benches, a cooking counter, a broom, an axe or splitting maul and an outdoor screened cooler box are provided. An outhouse toilet is close to the cabin. The cabin does not include mattresses or cooking gear. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, ga
How to Get There
Accessible May through November. Located near the eastern shore of Chichagof Island between the outlets of Tenakee Inlet and Peril Strait, about 45 miles northeast of Sitka. Access is by floatplane, 30 minutes from Sitka or Juneau; or by boating to Corner Bay and hiking 7 miles on logging road and 0.7-miles on Kook Lake Trail to the cabin. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic maps Sitka C-3 and C-4.
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.
- 🧢
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.
- 🍫
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 KOOK LAKE CABIN
Heading to KOOK 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 KOOK LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for KOOK LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233033) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to KOOK LAKE CABIN?
Accessible May through November. Located near the eastern shore of Chichagof Island between the outlets of Tenakee Inlet and Peril Strait, about 45 miles northeast of Sitka. Access is by floatplane, 30 minutes from Sitka or Juneau; or by boating to Corner Bay and hiking 7 miles on logging road and 0.7-miles on Kook Lake Trail to the cabin. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to US…
How do I contact KOOK LAKE CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 907-747-6671 or email: SM.FS.r10_sitka_rd@usda.gov.
References & Official Resources