Forest Service Cabins - Flights and Oufitting

 ALASKA'S FOREST SERVICE CABINS

The US Forest Service cabins of Southeast Alaska offer some of the finest opportunities available to experience the true outdoor wilderness of Alaska. Whether you arrive in Ketchikan by ferry or commercial airline, you will be flown, via floatplane, deep into the heart of the Tongass National Forest to "your" lake and dropped off at your cabin door. The lakes are surrounded by majestic mountains covered with towering spruce and hemlock trees.

Choosing a cabin can be confusing at best as there are 150 to choose from and the USFS often does not give much information. So if you are stuck, or looking for suggestions give us a call. The US Forest Service cabins central reservations number is toll free 1-877-444-6777.

Forest Service cabins are approximately 12'x12' of cedar logs made by Pan Abode and come equipped with an axe, saw, maul, broom, mop & bucket. Two sets of wooden bunks sleep up to 6 close friends, two singles on top and two doubles on the bottom bunks. There is a wood stove for heating. Firewood is cut in rounds by the Forest Service but you must split your own firewood & kindling. Some of the cabins are equipped with oil stoves. For these cabins you must bring #1 Diesel oil with you from Ketchikan. We will provide the containers for you to transport the heating oil. A 14' aluminum skiff with oars comes with the cabin to help you enjoy the scenic grandeur and fishing of your wilderness lake. Some of the lakes also have trails for hiking.

Southeast Alaskan lakes and streams offer the finest fishing to be found anywhere: Cutthroat & Rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling and Kokanee (land locked Salmon). Salmon of some type abound in virtually every stream from mid to late summer. Fishing gear is often a matter of personal choice, but most local fisherman use 6 to 8 pound test line. If you have a favorite lure, or fly, bring it to test in Alaska's lakes and streams.

Alaska's US Forest Service Cabins are a great way to spend the weekend in the outdoors. There are 110 Forest Service Cabins to choose from in the Ketchikan area. Whether it is a cabin on a lake in the Misty Fjords National Monument to spend a romantic weekend away, or a cabin on one of the various creeks or rivers to test your skills at fly fishing with a group of friends, this is truly a great experience (definitely a local’s favorite way to go).

A roaring fire and a good cup of coffee make the perfect ending to a day camping in SE AlaskaThe cabins themselves range from $25 to $35 per night. The U.S. Forest Service website will provide you with all the additional information you need about the cabins and will allow you to make your reservations online.

As for the flight, you will need to charter out to the cabin of your choice. This means the charge is a set price for the whole plane (round trip), not a per person price. Please view our rates for flights to different Forest Service Cabin locations. Rates vary depending on location.

A printable checklist of suggested items to have when you visit a USFS Cabin is available for your convenience. All items can also be rented from Pirate Airworks Outfitting.