Overview
Turner Lake West Cabin is extremely popular and considered to be one of the most beautiful cabins on the Tongass National Forest. It is open for year-round enjoyment, offering scenic views and access to a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane, motor 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
Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon in Turner Lake. Pink salmon and Dolly Varden is available in the Turner River and Taku Inlet. A 0.8 mile trail goes from the ocean to the cabin. A skiff with oars is available at the cabin, but guests must provide their own flotation devices. Guests can bring a small outboard to attach to the skiff. The Turner Creek and mudflats may be difficult to navigate in lower tides, so a shallow draft boat or kayak is recommended. During high tides, larger inboard/outboard boats can navigate the inlet. Tide charts should be consulted; click here for more info. Bear, mountain goat and waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits.
Facilities
This is a chalet-style log cabin that has a fireplace with beautiful stonework. It sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, an oil heater, a cooler box for food storage, an outhouse and food preparation space. Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake or a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided. Visitors must bring a supply of #1 diesel oil or kerosene (one gallon per day on lowest setting), in addition to sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash, empty the cabinets and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).
Natural Features
The cabin sits on rock that slopes directly to the water. The area has spectacular scenery with cliffs and numerous waterfalls cascading into the lake. This area is home to grizzly and black bears, moose and mountain goats ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on Turner Lake.
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