USDA Forest Service · Alaska

Southeast Heckman 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
138 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
3031 TONGASS AVE., KETCHIKAN, AK, 99901
Phone
907-225-2148
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing, Wildlife Viewing

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About

Overview

Southeast Heckman Cabin is situated on the southeast shore of Heckman Lake within the Naha Recreation Area approximately 15 miles from Ketchikan. The cabin is open year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska with its recreation options, beautiful scenery 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

Fishing and boating are popular activities at this cabin. The Naha River is noted for steelhead and
salmon runs and offers resident trout and Dolly Varden. For information about fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish
and Game website.

Guests have use of the cabin's 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars, but they must provide their own life jackets. A short-shaft motor can be used with the skiff,
but one is not provided.

Facilities

The 16x22-ft. ( pan-abode style ) log cabin accommodates 8 people with 3 single and 2 double
bunks. Other amenities include a table and benches, a cooking counter, broom, splitting maul, and outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heat. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

This cabin is designed to be barrier-free, with accessible boardwalks connecting the dock, cabin and outhouse. The boardwalk has an incline between 5 and 15 percent.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own water supply, but water is also available from the lake and 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 in a clearing overlooking the lake, backed by old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock. The terrain is sloped above and below the cabin. Visitors
can gaze out over the lake to the densely forested slopes on the other side.

Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear, marten, mink, beaver and wolf are common to the area (bear safety and precautions). A variety of birds may be seen in and around 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
January38°32°-4°44°10 of 11
February38°30°8°45°11 of 11
March40°31°17°56°11 of 11
April45°34°22°61°8 of 11
May55°44°38°79°0 of 11
June59°48°41°78°0 of 11
July61°53°46°78°0 of 11
August64°56°47°86°0 of 11
September60°50°44°74°0 of 11
October48°42°32°69°1 of 10
November42°35°24°51°6 of 10
December37°31°5°47°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

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.