USDA Forest Service · Alaska

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin

USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States · in Misty Fjords National Monument

Open on the map Drive there Reserve Official page Directions
Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
No
Restrooms
Yes
Elevation
20 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/MISTY
Address
KETCHIKAN/MISTY, AK
Phone
907-225-2148
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Wildlife Viewing

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

About

Overview

Hugh Smith Lake Cabin is located on the mainland within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. This rustic, secluded retreat is open year-round for relaxation and recreation in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage.

The site can be accessed by float plane, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

There is a working fish weir near the outlet of the lake. Anglers can fish for cutthroat, Dolly Varden and sockeye salmon. Guests can use the cabin's 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars, but they must provide their own life jackets.

An abandoned cannery site sits at the east end of the lake, inviting exploration. Hikers will find a trail leading to saltwater.

Facilities

This 12x14-ft.  pan-abode style  cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with two single bunks, two double bunks, a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it. 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 fire starter. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Click here for more cabin details.

Natural Features

The cabin sits on a peninsula that extends into Hugh Smith Lake. It is surrounded by an old-growth forest of Sitka spruce, western hemlock and cedar. Guests have views of the lake and the gentle, forested slopes on the opposite shore.

This area is home to a large population of brown bears. Other species that make their home in the wilderness include Sitka black-tailed deer, wolves, martens and moose. A variety of waterfowl may be seen 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
January39°34°-2°45°9 of 11
February39°30°11°44°10 of 11
March41°32°20°55°11 of 11
April46°35°24°63°6 of 11
May55°44°37°78°0 of 11
June59°49°44°73°0 of 11
July63°55°49°80°0 of 11
August65°57°51°87°0 of 11
September62°53°45°75°0 of 11
October49°43°35°71°0 of 10
November42°36°24°51°6 of 10
December39°31°4°45°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.