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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

RED BAY LAKE CABIN

Point Baker, Alaska · Prince of Wales-Hyder County · Campground

Overview Red Bay Lake Cabin offers visitors a unique Alaskan lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island. Situated on the northern part of the island, the remote site provides a scenic setting for recreation and relaxation in the Tongass National Forest. Access to the site is by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating…

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56.24111, -133.32000
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About RED BAY LAKE CABIN

Overview Red Bay Lake Cabin offers visitors a unique Alaskan lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island. Situated on the northern part of the island, the remote site provides a scenic setting for recreation and relaxation in the Tongass National Forest. Access to the site is by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Fishing opportunities are abundant in the area surrounding the cabin. The fish most noted include coho, pink, chum, and sockeye salmon, steelhead, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden. The cabin is also an excellent location for sport fishing in the Red Bay Creek drainage. The cabin provides an aluminum skiff with oars available at the cabin, and guests may choose to bring a long shaft motor for boat use. Guests are responsible for bringing and using their own personal floatation devices. Red Bay Lake Trail extends from the trailhead on Forest Road #20 to a row boat at the north end of Red Bay Lake, providing visitors an access option other than aircraft. For visitors hiking into Red Bay Lake Cabin, this 3/4 mile trail accesses the row boat that is used to reach the cabin. Rowing across the lake takes approximately 1 hour. The scenic trail is mostly boardwalk and winds between large cedar trees and crossing over a stream.Facilities The cabin is a 15 x 17-foot, two-story, log cabin (pan-abode style) furnished with a sleeping loft and wooden bunkbeds (without mattresses) that sleep up to eight guests. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood stove for heat and an outdoor toilet. Other amenities include a cooking counter, shelves, counter space, fire extinguisher, axe, splitting maul and a broom. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own food, water, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, stove fuel, fire starter, cooking gear/utensils, light source (lantern), toilet pape

How to Get There

Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and Petersburg B-4. The trailhead to access the cabin is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Hollis or 2 hours from Thorne Bay on Forest Road #20. From the trailhead, the 3/4 mile hike proceeds on a board walk through large cedar trees to a boat provided by the Forest Service on the lake. Visitors must then row 1.5 miles to reach their final destination. By plane, Red Bay Lake is located 40 air miles from Wrangell, 55 miles from Craig and 84 miles from Ketchikan. Visitors must note, however, that in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface.Click here for information about reaching Forest Service Cabins. Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days Please contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 prior to arrival for more detailed information about safety precautions.

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 RED BAY LAKE CABIN

Heading to RED BAY 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 RED BAY LAKE CABIN?

No central reservation system listed for RED BAY LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233059) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to RED BAY LAKE CABIN?

Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and Petersburg B-4. The trailhead to access the cabin is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Hollis or 2 hours from Thorne Bay on Forest Road #20. From the trailhead, the 3/4 mile hike proceeds on a board walk through large cedar trees to a boat provided by the Forest Service …