USDA Forest Service · Alaska

Patching Lake Cabin

USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States

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Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
338 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, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

Patching Lake Cabin sits on the north end of Patching Lake near the inlet of the Naha River 20 miles from Ketchikan, Alaska. The cabin is open year-round and makes an
excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska with its recreation options and abundant wildlife.

The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane, depending on conditions. This primitive cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone
coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Boating, fishing and hunting are popular activities at this cabin. Resident cutthroat trout are available in Patching and Chamberlain Lakes, but there is no access
trail to Chamberlain Lake from the cabin. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for rowing around the lake, but visitors must provide their own life jackets. The skiff can use a short shaft motor,
which is not provided.

Facilities

The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) log cabin accommodates 6 people with 2 single and 2 double
bunks. Other amenities include a table and benches, a cooking counter, food storage, broom, splitting maul, and an outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heat. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own water supply, but water is also available from a nearby creek, but should be treated before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety ).

Visitors should also bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter.
Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving (additional cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits at the lake's edge, backed by a rainforest of old-growth cedar, Sitka spruce and western hemlock. This is a beautiful location where the Naha River
flows from Chamberlain Lake into Patching Lake. Visitors can stand on the front deck and gaze out over the lake and the surrounding forest and mountains or explore the area from the gravel bar in front of the cabin.

Wildlife includes Sitka black-tail deer, black bear, beaver and wolf (bear safety and precautions). Geese and trumpeter swans are often seen on the lake.

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

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January37°31°-4°44°11 of 11
February37°29°8°44°11 of 11
March39°31°16°55°11 of 11
April44°33°21°60°10 of 11
May55°43°38°78°0 of 11
June58°47°41°78°0 of 11
July61°53°46°78°0 of 11
August63°55°47°85°0 of 11
September59°50°44°73°0 of 11
October48°41°31°68°2 of 10
November41°34°23°50°7 of 10
December37°30°4°46°9 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

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.