A gravel road curving into a high mountain valley at first light, the peaks catching the sun.

Forest Service cabin or lookout

Blind Pass Cabin

Forest Service cabin or lookout in Tongass National Forest, Ketchikan Gateway County, Alaska. 30 feet. 24.7 miles from Wrangell city and.

Managed by
Forest Service Tongass National Forest
Elevation
30 ft USGS elevation model, at the mapped point
Sites
1 1 cabin non-electric
Hookups
None listed
Reservations
Recreation.gov

Overview

Blind Pass Cabin sits on the northwest shore of Hassler Island, on Blind Pass. This secluded retreat is open year-round and makes an ideal base camp for exploring the various bays and inlets in the northern Behm Canal area.

The site can be accessed by float plane, boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The area is noted for king salmon runs into the Unuk River, with other salmon species, halibut, red snapper, Dungeness crab and shrimp also in abundance. A freshwater lake with trout is located about a half-mile upstream from the cabin. There is no trail to the lake.

Sea kayaking is a popular mode of transportation, and many kayakers use this cabin as a base for exploring Bell Island, Gedney Pass and Bell Arm. It is also possible to kayak to Bailey Bay and hike to the Lake Shelokum Hot Springs. Guests must supply their own equipment and should consult local tide tables before departing.

Hunting is also possible in designated seasons with a permit.

Facilities

This 12-by-14 cabin ( pan-abode style ) has two single bunks and two double bunks, to sleep up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, broom, tiny woood stove and an outhouse. A mooring float is available, but it is not for the exclusive use of cabin guests.

Water and electricity are not provided. Firewood maybe avaliable but guest should consider brining some compressed log firewood to utilize in the Tiny Wood Stove. Water is available from a nearby creek, but guests should be sure to treat any water taken from a natural source prior to drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin is tucked into a sheltered cove, surrounded by old-growth forest. Low tides reveal a long beach in front of the cabin, and there is an adjacent stream. Guests have views of Blind Pass and densely forested Black Island, which makes up the opposite shore.

Wildlife in the area include Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears and wolves ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl and marine mammals may be seen in Blind Pass.

The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.

What people do here

  • boating
  • camping
  • fishing
  • hunting
  • wildlife viewing

The land around Blind Pass Cabin

The ringed pin is this cabin or lookout; the others are its nearest neighbours. Switch on forest roads or BLM routes to see the way in.

Interactive map. Drag to pan, scroll or pinch to zoom, and select any point to see which agency manages the land. Arrow keys pan and the plus and minus keys zoom when the map has focus. A list of every state with its share of federal land is on the Explore page.

Map layers

Layers
Base map
Legend

Federal land, by managing agency

  • Bureau of Land Management (BLM)
  • US Forest Service (USFS)
  • National Park Service (NPS)
  • US Fish and Wildlife (USFW)
  • Bureau of Reclamation (USBR)
  • Department Of Defense (DOD)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)
  • Other Federal
  • State
  • Local
  • Alaska Native Lands (Patented or Interim Conveyed)
  • Alaska Native Allotment

Federal campgrounds, by agency

  • Forest Service
  • Bureau of Land Management
  • National Park Service
  • Army Corps of Engineers
  • Reclamation, Fish and Wildlife and others

State and local land (USGS PAD-US)

  • State land
  • County and city land
  • Regional agency or district
  • Land trust or conservancy

Gaps with no tint inside public land are private parcels, often old mining claims and homesteads. They are not open to the public.

Dashed clay lines on the base map are unpaved tracks from OpenStreetMap. They show what exists on the ground, not what is legal to drive.

Select any point to see who manages the land.

Boundaries are approximate and land status changes. This map is a planning aid, not a survey or a statement of access. Confirm routes, closures and camping rules with the managing office.

Source: Recreation Information Database (Recreation.gov), record updated February 25, 2026. Elevation from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Seasons, fees, water and fire rules change; the managing office has the final word.