Tongass National Forest

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Recreation Cabins - What will I find?

Forest cabin designs include: A-Frame, Modified A-Frame, Pan-Abode, Hunter, and Alpine, each sleeping at least four people. A-Frame cabins have an additional second floor sleeping loft. The Alpine cabin is a hunter cabin modified to provide a sleeping loft and placed on a raised foundation to allow use during heavy snow accumulation.

Each cabin includes table, benches, plywood bunks (without mattresses), wood and/or oil heating stove, axe/maul where appropriate, broom, and outhouse. The cabins do not have electricity, bedding, or cooking utensils. It is wise to take a gas or propane stove for cooking, your own sleeping bags, pads, pots, pans, plates, utensils, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire starter and insect repellent.

Be sure to check the specific stove information on the cabin you want. The Forest Service does not provide stove oil for cabin users. Be sure to check whether the oil stove takes No. 1 or No. 2 oil; 5-10 gallons will burn about a week, depending on the time of year and the weather. Firewood is generally provided at cabins with wood stoves, but is not guaranteed. The firewood that is provided is for indoor use only. If you must have an outdoor fire, please gather your own firewood, using already downed material, not standing trees. Please make sure your fire is "dead out" before you leave the cabin.

Drinking water is not provided. Water taken from lakes or streams, no matter how clear, should be boiled at least 5 minutes or treated to make it safe for drinking.

Weather may affect the length of your stay. Unsafe boating or flying conditions can occur at any time of year. Always prepare for the possibility of bad weather and an extended stay. Rain gear and warm clothing are essential; waterproof boots and extra food and clothing are recommended.

Boats and oars are furnished at some cabins, usually on lakes. A small outboard motor, in the 2 to 10 horsepower category, may add to your enjoyment. Boat users must provide a U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation device for each passenger aboard the boat.

Safety

Be cautious in bear country. Bear Facts will provide more information. Clam diggers should be cautious of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning. We recommend taking local maps, a compass, flashlight, waterproof matches, a strong knife, a first-aid kit, a space blanket, candles, flares, and personal protection such as a gun or bear repellent if you wish. A handheld VHF radio may be useful to summon help in the event of an emergency.

Camping Etiquette

Cabin users are requested to: PACK OUT all garbage including unused food and fuel; PACK OUT empty fuel cans, and leave a supply of firewood. A permit day begins at 12 noon on the assigned day and ends at 12 noon the following day. (Gear should be packed and out of the cabin for the next group.) Please leave a clean cabin so the next users will also enjoy their stay.

Know Before You Go

Copies of fishing and hunting regulations may be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Box 3-2000, Juneau, AK 99802, or on-line at www.state.ak.us/adfg/adfghome.htm.

When traveling into or out of Canada along the Stikine River, you must contact the appropriate country's customs agent. (The U.S. Customs office is in Wrangell (907) 874-3415.)