Tongass National Forest

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Trails on Kupreanof and Woewodski Islands

Colp Lake (Kupreanof)
Green Rocks (Kupreanof)
Hooter and Castle River (Kupreanof)
Kah Sheets (Kupreanof)
Petersburg Lake (Kupreanof)
Petersburg Mountain (Kupreanof)
Portage Mountain Loop (Kupreanof)
Harvey Lake (Woewodski)

Colp Lake Trail (#461)

Primitive trail follows Fivemile Creek to Colp Lake.

Length (one way): 2.5 miles

Rating: More Difficult

USGS Maps: Petersburg D-3 and D-4

Access:
You can reach the trailhead via boat or floatplane to the mouth of Fivemile Creek, on Kupreanof Island west of the Sukoi Islands in Frederick Sound, about 5 miles north of Petersburg.

Description/Attractions:
The trail begins 200 feet north of the creek. After passing through a small stand of timber, the trail climbs up the creek valley, primarily through muskeg, crossing the creek halfway to the lake. The area offers fishing for cutthroat trout in the creek and lake, day hiking, and camping around the lake. No facilities are provided.

History:
The lake was named for Petersburg resident Harry Colp who had a homestead in the Fivemile Creek area in the early 1900's. Colp is the author of the "Strangest Story Ever Told" which is based on his prospecting experiences in Thomas Bay. The Forest Service constructed the trail to Colp Lake in 1939.
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Green Rocks Trail (#483)

This primitive trail gives hunters and anglers access to Green Rocks Lake from the Wrangell Narrows.

Length (one way): 1 mile

Rating: Easiest

USGS Maps: Petersburg C-3

Access:
You can reach the trail via boat at high tide to the mudflats between Island Point and False Island Point on Kupreanof Island. The trailhead is across the Wrangell Narrows from Papke's Landing and about 0.5 mile south.

Description/Attractions:
The trail is mostly flat but very marshy and waterproof boots are recommended. Green Rocks Lake is popular for trout fishing and waterfowl hunting.
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Hooter and Castle River Trails (#445 and #459)

The Hooter Trail leads from the Castle Flats Cabin to the Castle River Cabin. The Castle River Trail continues upstream from the Castle River Cabin to the boat tie-up. The trail is an enjoyable day hike from either cabin.The trail was reconstructed in 1997.

Combined Length (one way): 1.2 miles

Rating: Easiest

USGS Map: Petersburg C-4

Access:
You can reach the trailhead via boat or floatplane to either the Castle Flats Cabin or the Castle River Cabin west of the Castle Islands in Duncan Canal.

Description:
The Hooter Trail leaves the Castle Flats Cabin and winds through second-growth forest and small muskegs to the river cabin. The trail continues as the Castle River Trail for another mile along the river to the boat tie-up above the rapids.

Attractions/Notes:
The Castle River Trail leads to several fishing spots along the river, which supports runs of silver salmon and steelhead. You can row upstream at least 1 mile from the boat tie-up. If you use the boat, please secure it at the tie-up when you leave or the current will carry it downstream. Contact the Petersburg Ranger District for Castle Flats or Castle River Cabin information and cabin permit applications.

History:
The Civilian Conservation Corps cleared a trail along the Castle River and built a shelter at the mouth of the river in the 1930's. The Forest Service has maintained the river trail since the 1940's. In 1979, a Youth Conservation Corps crew constructed the Hooter Trail to connect the two cabins. The trail was completely reconstructed in October, 1997.
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Kah Sheets Lake Trail (#503)

This boardwalk trail provides access to Kah Sheets Lake and the Kah Sheets Lake Cabin from Kah Sheets Bay.

Length (one way): 2.5 miles

Rating: Easiest

USGS Map: Petersburg C-4

Access:
You can reach the trail via boat or floatplane to the Kah Sheets Bay Cabin or floatplane to the Kah Sheets Lake Cabin.

Description:
From the Kah Sheets Bay Cabin, the trail passes under a canopy of mature alder then gradually climbs through a series of muskegs to the lake. Most of the trail is boardwalk and the elevation gain is gradual. Two short spur trails lead to fishing areas and small waterfalls on the creek.

Attractions/Notes:
The entire trail was reconstructed in 1995. The lake offers good sockeye fishing and the creek offers steelhead fishing. The cabin, float and ramp, and outhouse at Kah Sheets Lake all meet barrier-free standards for special needs users. A rowboat is provided for cabin permit holders (others may use it if no one is staying in the cabin). Contact the Petersburg Ranger District for Kah Sheets Lake and Bay Cabin information and cabin permit applications.
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Petersburg Lake Trail (#534)

This trail follows Petersburg Creek from the Kupreanof state dock to the recreation cabin at Petersburg Lake. The lake, cabin, and much of the trail are in the Petersburg Creek - Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness.

Length (one way): 10.5 miles from Kupreaof State Dock to Petersburg Lake or 6.5 miles from high tide trailhead to lake

Rating: More Difficult

USGS Maps: Petersburg D-4 and D-3

Access:
Boat from Petersburg across the Narrows to the state dock on Kupreanof Island. The Petersburg Lake Trail leads west (left) from the dock. The trail leading east (right) goes up Petersburg Mountain. The high tide trailhead is approximately 4 miles up the creek. You need a tide of 14 feet or higher to reach the upper trailhead.

Description:
From the state dock, the trail heads south along an old road for about 800 feet, then leaves the road bed and turns right up a small set of steps. From the steps, it continues up a small hill then descends to Petersburg Creek. Four miles up the creek from the dock is the high tide trailhead, and the entrance to the Petersburg Creek - Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness.

From the high tide trailhead and registration box, follow the trail through timber and muskeg for 6.5 miles to Petersburg Lake and the cabin. You cross a small creek about halfway between the high tide trailhead and the lake. Parts of the trail are boardwalk, but other parts may be muddy or brushy.

Attractions/Notes:
Petersburg Creek supports runs of cutthroat, dolly varden, and steelhead trout, as well as silver, pink, chum, and sockeye salmon. Petersburg Lake has good trout fishing. A small boat is provided at the lake for cabin permit holders (others may use it if no one is staying in the cabin). Waterfowl, including ducks, geese, loons, and occasionally trumpeter swans, populate the area. Bald eagles and black bears are plentiful during salmon runs. Contact the Petersburg Ranger District for Petersburg Lake Cabin information and cabin permit applications.

History:
Local residents began clearing the Petersburg Creek Trail in 1923 and completed a total of nine miles by 1926. A Civilian Conservation Corps crew reconstructed the trail and built several three-sided shelters along its length in 1933 and 1934 using only native materials and hand tools. Many early trappers and prospectors used the trail and shelters during their expeditions. The trail lower part of the was reconstructed in 1995.
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Petersburg Mountain Trail (#585)

This challenging trail leads to spectacular views from Narrows Peak at the summit of Petersburg Mountain.

Length (one way): 3.5 miles

Rating: Most Difficult

USGS Map: Petersburg D-3

Access:
The Petersburg Mountain Trail begins at the Kupreanof state dock just across the Narrows from Petersburg. The Petersburg Mountain Trail leads east (right) from the dock. The trail leading west (left) goes to Petersburg Lake.

Description:
The trail leaves the dock and follows an old road bed parallel to the shore. This area is private land and hikers are asked to please stay on the trail. About 1.5 miles from the dock, the trail leaves the road, turns northwest (left) and begins ascending the mountain. The trail climbs steadily, with few switchbacks, through mature forest for the next one and a half miles to the saddle. The trail is not discernible above the saddle; follow the blue trail markers to the peak. An anchored cable near the summit will help you climb.

Attractions/Notes:
The summit of Petersburg Mountain offers spectacular views of Petersburg, the coastal mountains and glaciers, and Wrangell Narrows. Prior to construction of the trail between 1954 and 1961, determined hikers simply headed straight up the mountain.
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Portage Mountain Loop Trail (#535)

Most of this primitive trail lies within the Petersburg Creek - Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness. The trail begins at Petersburg Lake and circles Portage Mountain to the Salt Chuck East Cabin.

Length (one way): 10.2 miles

Rating: More Difficult

USGS Map: Petersburg D-4

Access:
You can reach the eastern trailhead via boat or floatplane to the Salt Chuck East Cabin. The western trailhead is at the end of the Petersburg Lake Trail, approximately 10 miles from the Kupreanof state dock. (See Petersburg Lake Trail listing.) You can hike the trail or take a floatplane to the lake.

Description:
The trail is marked with blue diamond trail markers. Because it receives little use, the trail is not frequently brushed and may be difficult to follow. From the Petersburg Lake Cabin, follow the trail to the north end of the lake. The next section leads you through areas of sedge-type muskeg and fringes of heavy timber. Continuing north, the trail crosses more muskeg and numerous streams. Beaver activity has flooded sections of the trail and it is necessary to skirt these areas until you tie back in with the trail markers.

The trail continues to the tidal flat of Goose Cove at the southeast end of Portage Bay where there is a large red and white diamond trailhead marker. Continue west across the tide flat to another diamond trail marker, then follow the trail as it heads southwest. The final, most scenic portion of the trail winds through muskeg and timber to the trail's end at the Salt Chuck East Cabin.

Contact the Petersburg Ranger District for Petersburg Lake or Salt Chuck East Cabin information and permit applications.

History:
The Portage Mountain Loop Trail follows portions of a trail originally cleared by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the early 1930's. The Forest Service maintained the trail throughout the 1940's and 50's, then marked it for hikers in 1985.
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Harvey Lake Trail (#488)

This trail is a pleasant day hike to or from Harvey Lake and the Forest Service cabin there.

Length (one way): 0.5 mile

Rating: Easiest

USGS Map: Petersburg C-4

Access:
You can reach the trailhead on the west side of Woewodski Island in Duncan Canal via boat or floatplane. Floatplanes can land on Harvey Lake, but cannot take off from the lake with passengers or heavy loads of gear. Pick-up must be arranged for Duncan Canal.

Description/Attractions:
The trail passes through Sitka spruce and western hemlock forest before reaching Harvey Lake. Parts of the trail are boardwalk. Blueberries and huckleberries abound near the trail as it approaches the lake. Harvey Lake offers trout fishing, swimming, and picnicking. A small rowboat is provided for cabin permit holders (others may use it if no one is staying in the cabin). Contact the Petersburg Ranger District for Harvey Lake Cabin information and cabin permit applications.

History:
Mr. E.E. Harvey first cleared a trail to Harvey Lake in the late 1920's. Harvey operated the Olympic Mine on the north side of the lake and needed access to the mine from Duncan Canal. He carried or tractored supplies and equipment up the trail to the west end of the lake, then boated or sledded loads across the lake to the mine. In 1930, in a letter written from his camp at the Olympic Mine, Harvey asked the Forest Service to construct a permanent trail from Duncan Canal to the lake. By that time, Harvey Lake had become a popular place for Petersburg and Wrangell residents to swim and picnic. They enjoyed the warm water and sandy beach, and the raft and springboard built by Mr. Harvey. The Forest Service reconstructed the trail the following year, in 1931.
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USDA Forest Service - Tongass National Forest
Last Modified: April 05, 2006