USDA Forest Service · Alaska
Helm Creek Cabin
USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 no hookups
- Season
- Year-round
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 0 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Lake
- Tongass National Forest
- Nearest town
- KETCHIKAN
- Address
- KETCHIKAN, AK
- Phone
- 907-225-2148
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
Overview
Helm Creek Cabin is located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek. This rustic retreat is open year-round, offering opportunities for relaxation,
sightseeing and recreation.
The site can be accessed by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring
several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Helm Bay is especially known for excellent crabbing, as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and red snapper. Trout and Dolly Varden fishing is possible in
nearby Helm Lake, but there is no trail to the lake.
Local tide tables should be consulted before taking a boat out on the bay. Sea kayaking is also possible.
Facilities
This 12-by-14 ft. (pan-abode style) cabin has two single and two double bunks, to sleep up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.
A mooring float is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.
Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).
Natural Features
The cabin faces northwest, with a good view toward the head of Helm Bay and the surrounding mountains. It is adjacent to a large saltwater tidal flat at the outlet of
Helm Creek. A moderately steep sloping beach is located in front of cabin.
This area is home to black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats (bear
safety information). Seals, whales and other marine mammals may be seen in Helm Bay.
Fees
Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 39° | 34° | -2° | 45° | 8 of 11 |
| February | 39° | 32° | 10° | 48° | 10 of 11 |
| March | 41° | 33° | 19° | 60° | 8 of 11 |
| April | 46° | 36° | 27° | 61° | 4 of 11 |
| May | 55° | 45° | 40° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| June | 58° | 48° | 44° | 77° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 61° | 54° | 49° | 78° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 63° | 56° | 48° | 84° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 60° | 51° | 44° | 72° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 49° | 43° | 32° | 66° | 0 of 10 |
| November | 42° | 36° | 24° | 51° | 5 of 10 |
| December | 39° | 32° | 11° | 51° | 8 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Helm Bay Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 2 mi · 1 sites
- Settlers Cove State Recreation Site · Alaska State Parks · 14 mi · 13 sites
- Jordan Lake Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 17 mi · 1 sites
- Heckman Lake Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 1 sites
- Southeast Heckman Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 18 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Alaska · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.