USFS - Tongass National Forest Recreation Cabins
Cabin Descriptions

Three types of cabins are used in the Ketchikan Area: A-frame, plywood, and Pan-Abode. The cabins can all sleep at least four people. A-frame cabins have an additional second floor sleeping loft. Up to seven people can usually be housed in A-frame cabins. Each cabin includes tables, benches, plywood bunks without mattresses, wood and/or oil heating/cooking stove, axe, broom and outdoor sanitary facilities.

Boats are furnished at most cabins located on lakes but not on saltwater or river areas. Oars are provided, but a small outboard motor within the 2-10 hp category may add to your enjoyment of these boats. For your safety, please take a life preserver for each member of your party.

Be sure to check the specific stove information on the cabin you desire. The Forest Service does not provide stove oil for cabin users. Oil can be purchased in local communities. Oil use varies from 5 to 10 gallons per week depending on the time of year and the weather. At cabins that have wood stoves, wood is provided but must be split. An axe is provided at each cabin with a wood stove, but it is suggested that you bring a small axe or hatchet, just in case it is not there. In all cabins it is recommended that a gas cooking stove be included in your gear. The wood/oil stoves do not usually provide sufficient heat for cooking.

You must bring your own bedding and cooking gear. Water can be obtained from nearby streams and lakes and should be boiled before drinking. Although many of the rivers and streams are crystal clear and give the impression that the water is pure and safe to drink, clarity is not an indication of the absence of bacteria or parasites. Whenever surface water is used for drinking or cooking it should be purified by boiling for 5 minutes. A good supply of insect repellent is needed during the summer months.

Pack it in - pack it out. Maintenance of Forest Service cabins is very costly. To reduce these costs and the possibility of bear and rodent problems, you must pack out all trash and garbage from your cabin stay. It is hoped you will leave the cabin in the same condition or better than you found it. Leave a clean cabin so the next users will also enjoy their stay.