Petersburg Lake Cabin

This is not the Peterson Lake Cabin near Juneau. Petersburg Lake Cabin offers a tranquil place to stay on the shores of a Wilderness lake in southeastern Alaska, with access to outstanding fishing opportunities as well as hunting and wildlife viewing. The cabin is accessible by float plane or by a boat-trail combination, dependent on tides. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. The trail in is in the process of being maintained; it is difficult to find at times and has many natural features such as large sections of beaver ponds and downed trees to navigate. Anyone intending to hike in should come prepared with map, compass and GPS and know their route. Petersburg Lake Trail is in very poor condition — the middle section, around mile marker 4 to 9.5, is very muddy, wet and not well marked, and portions of the trail have rotting and broken boards to beware of. Rubber boots with non-slip soles are recommended, and avoiding this section of the trail is advised if possible. The nearby creek offers outstanding steelhead, coho and sockeye fishing, while the lake boasts cutthroat trout and sockeye salmon. A rowboat and oars is available at the cabin, however life jackets are not provided and guests should bring their own; guests may also choose to bring a small outboard motor. Hiking and hunting are popular activities, with hunting available as per state or federal hunting regulations. This pan-abode style cabin was constructed in 2003. It has two bunk beds with double space below and single above, a table and benches, and both a wood stove and an oil stove for heat. Firewood is not guaranteed, so bring your own kerosene for the oil stove. An outhouse with a basket/barrel system is provided. The only fresh water available is from the lake, creek or melted snow, and water taken from any outdoor source should be treated or boiled before consumption; guests are encouraged to bring their own drinking water if possible. Guests will also need to bring sleeping bags and pads, lanterns and flashlights, a cook stove and cooking gear, towels, food, clothing, fire starter and garbage bags, among other necessities. The cabin will need to be cleaned prior to leaving and all garbage and food carried out. The cabin is located on Kupreanof Island, 9 miles northwest of Petersburg, in the Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness. The Petersburg Creek Valley is a glacial valley with a broad, flat bottom and steep sides; the area surrounding the lake and creek is flat, and otherwise the terrain is steep. The setting is pristine, old-growth spruce and hemlock forest with scattered muskeg, and the area abounds with wildlife and wildflowers. The creek and lake are a haven for black bears and eagles, who feed on the spawning salmon there.