USDA Forest Service · Alaska

Winstanley Island 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
128 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, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing

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About

Overview

Winstanley Island Cabin is located on Winstanley Island approximately 30 air miles east of Ketchikan. The cabin offers saltwater recreation and wildlife viewing
opportunities and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska.

The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane, boat or kayak, 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

A number of scenic attractions can be reached by boat or kayak from Winstanley Island Cabin, including Walker Cove, Chickamin River, Smeaton Bay, New
Eddystone Rock and the Behm Canal. Rudyerd Bay is a good day trip for adventurous sea kayakers. Local tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion.

Hiking trails to freshwater streams and lakes and various hunting areas are accessible by boat, including Winstanley Lake (#743), Checats (#704), Ella (#70), Manzanita
(#721) and Nooya Lake (#724).

Saltwater fishing is possible around the cabin.

Facilities

The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) cabin accommodates up to 6 people with 2 single bunks and 2
double bunks. Other amenities include a table with benches, cooking counter, food storage, broom and dustpan. A wood stove is provided for heat, along with a splitting maul. An outhouse is located nearby. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

A mooring buoy is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The cabin reservation does not give exclusive use of the buoy. More than one vessel is allowed to use the buoy if the first party there agrees.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors should bring their own water supply, but water is also available from a nearby creek 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 (more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin is located on Shoalwater Pass, which is on the east side of Behm Canal between Rudyerd and Smeaton Bays within the Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness. It is
surrounded by rugged mountain peaks and spruce, hemlock and cedar forest.

The Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, moose and bald eagles make their home
here (bear safety). The waters host a variety of aquatic mammals,
including Dall's porpoise, orcas, humpback whales, sea otters and harbor seals. Many seabirds can also be seen.

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
January40°34°-9°49°10 of 11
February40°31°8°50°11 of 11
March43°34°18°64°9 of 11
April48°36°24°62°6 of 11
May58°46°40°83°0 of 11
June61°50°43°78°0 of 11
July64°54°49°81°0 of 11
August65°56°49°85°0 of 11
September62°50°41°75°0 of 11
October51°43°33°71°0 of 10
November44°36°26°54°5 of 10
December40°32°9°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

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.