USDA Forest Service · Alaska

Winstanley Lake Cabin

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

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

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

About

Overview

Winstanley Lake Cabin is located on the mainland on the shore of its namesake lake approximately 33 air miles northeast of Ketchikan. The cabin offers recreational
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 or boat, depending on conditions. Access by boat involves a 2.5 mile hike from saltwater plus a 2.25
mile row to the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for rowing around the lake, but visitors must provide their own life jackets. Visitors can row to the historic
Winstanley Lake Shelter at the end of the lake, which was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930s.

Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout and kokanee salmon in the lake. Hunting is possible for Sitka black-tailed deer, mountain goat, black bear and brown bear with the
proper permits.

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, and wood stove. An outhouse is located nearby. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

Drinking water and electricity are not available. 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.

Click here for more cabin details and maps.

Natural Features

The cabin is located within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. It is backed by a forest of large old-growth spruce, hemlock and cedar and offers views of
the placid lake with its forested shoreline and surrounding mountains.

The Misty Fiords Monument Wilderness supports a diverse variety of wildlife. Mountain goats, bears, deer, moose and bald eagles make their home
here (bear safety). Many species of birds may be seen in or 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
January36°30°-9°42°11 of 11
February36°27°4°42°11 of 11
March38°29°12°51°11 of 11
April43°31°19°61°11 of 11
May54°41°35°78°0 of 11
June58°47°41°77°0 of 11
July62°53°46°78°0 of 11
August63°54°48°86°0 of 11
September59°49°42°75°0 of 11
October47°39°30°70°3 of 10
November39°32°19°48°9 of 10
December35°27°-5°43°10 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.