Overview
Checats Lake Cabin is located on the mainland just south of Rudyerd Bay, within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. The rustic and secluded retreat offers year-round relaxation, sightseeing and recreation opportunities in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage.
The site can be accessed by float plane, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
Fishing is rated as very good for rainbow trout up to 24 inches (60 cm). Hunting for mountain goat, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bear and brown bear is possible with proper permits.
A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for exploring the lake, but guests must bring their own life jackets.
Facilities
This 12-by-12 cabin ( pan-abode style ) has two single bunks and two double bunks, to accommodate up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. The cabin features a skylight. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before 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 sits on a little knoll, at the outlet of Upper Checats Lake near Checats Creek. The area surrounding the lake is heavily forested. Guests can see the steep, rocky cliff faces that surround the lake on three sides.
Black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats are all common in the surrounding area ( click here to learn about bear safety).
The description, directions and fees are the Forest Service’s own words, from its record on Recreation.gov.
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
Road
Primitive Road
Road
Primitive Road
Trail
Roads open to all Vehicles, Yearlong
Roads open to all Vehicles, Seasonal
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Yearlong
Roads open to highway legal vehicles only, Seasonal
Special Designation, Yearlong
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails open to all vehicles, Yearlong
Trails open to all vehicles, Seasonal
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Yearlong
Trails open to vehicles 50" or less in width, Seasonal
Trails open to motorcycles, Yearlong
Trails open to motorcycles, Seasonal
Special Designation, Seasonal
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" in Width, Yearlong
Trails Open to Wheeled Vehicles Only < 50" or Less in Width, Seasonal
Wilderness Area
Wilderness Study Area