Eight Fathom Cabin
4.158 reviewsHOONAH RANGER DISTRICT, 430 A AIRPORT ROAD, P.O. BOX 135, Hoonah, AK, USA, 99829
Eight Fathom Cabin
$55.00 - $70.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$70.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Peak season (April 15-November 29): $70 per night; Non-peak season (November 30-December 31): $55 per night. These fees do not include taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to Eight Fathom Cabin, a secluded cedar log retreat nestled 15 miles southwest of Hoonah, Alaska. Built in 2009, this remote wilderness sanctuary beckons adventurers willing to journey by boat or float plane to reach its pristine shores. Step inside the warmth of handcrafted cedar walls, where a crackling wood stove awaits to chase away the Alaskan chill. Climb to the cozy sleeping loft for a peaceful night's rest, or step onto the wraparound deck to breathe in the pure wilderness air. Here, disconnected from the modern world, you'll discover the true meaning of solitude and natural beauty.
Eight Fathom Cabin is a primitive lodging option offering a remote experience. It does not support traditional tent or RV camping.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Eight Fathom Cabin. Winter blankets the landscape in deep, pristine snow, creating a wonderland for the hardy soul. As seasons shift, summer brings gentler temperatures perfect for exploration, though the famous Alaskan rain can arrive any time of year. Savvy visitors pack quality rain gear and sturdy boots regardless of the season – because in this untamed paradise, Mother Nature writes her own rules.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the rhythm of tides washing over expansive estuary flats, where the forest meets the sea in a breathtaking dance of ecosystems. Towering evergreens create a verdant cathedral around the cabin, their ancient boughs sheltering countless wildlife. Gaze across the shimmering waters of Port Frederick, where mountain peaks rise like sentinels against the sky, their slopes painted in endless shades of green and granite. This is nature's amphitheater, where eagles soar overhead and the only sounds are wind through the trees and waves upon the shore.
Geological RegionPerched at the dramatic confluence where Port Frederick's tidal waters meet the land, Eight Fathom Cabin occupies a rare geological treasure. The surrounding tidal estuary flats create an ever-changing landscape that transforms with each tide, revealing hidden channels and wildlife corridors. Behind the cabin, dense evergreen forests climb toward majestic mountain peaks, forming a natural amphitheater that has been shaped by millennia of glacial activity and tidal forces. This unique positioning offers visitors a front-row seat to observe the powerful interplay between ocean, forest, and mountain ecosystems.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin offers accessibility features including a barrier-free trail (125 ft), handicap-accessible outhouse, first-level floor, and outside deck.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 15x17-ft. and includes a sleeping loft.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin offers privacy, as it is located in a remote area surrounded by dense evergreen forest and tidal estuary flats.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to bring dry firewood, ample water, and bear spray. Tides should be monitored when loading/unloading.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 8 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cedar log cabin with a sleeping loft, deck, and connected 125-ft barrier-free trail.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season from April 15 to November 29; Non-peak season from November 30 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by calling the contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll reservations must be made in advance; no walk-up availability is stated for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be modified once; subsequent changes require cancellation and rebooking. A $10 fee applies for reservation changes. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds for no-shows.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Eight Fathom Cabin offers a variety of recreational activities, many of which capitalize on its remote and wildlife-rich location. Popular pursuits include hunting, freshwater and saltwater fishing, boating, hiking, wildlife viewing, and birding. Additionally, visitors can enjoy nearby Neka Hot Springs and activities like clam digging, crabbing, cross-country skiing, and photography.
Hiking
Hiking opportunities are available in the area, though specific trails are not detailed. The logging road provides some connectivity.Fishing
Fishing is a popular activity, with access to both freshwater and saltwater options. Permits and season details can be found on the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. Personal crab fishing can be challenging in August due to commercial activity.Biking
Biking is possible via the logging road system near the cabin.Boating
The fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted before excursions.Wildlife viewing
Abundant wildlife includes whales, brown bears, deer, shorebirds, and small mammals. Visitors should bring bear spray and make noise when traveling around.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Water sports such as sea kayaking are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood stove provided but firewood must be brought by visitors.
Hazards
General hazardsVisitors should prepare for potential hazards such as bear encounters, extreme weather, and tides. The area is remote, requiring visitors to be self-reliant.
Active alertsInvasive European Green Crabs (EGC) detected in the area. Visitors are encouraged to report sightings.
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 80%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Hoonah, which is approximately 15 miles away from the cabin. Emergency services include Hoonah Police Department and the city hospital.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 15-November 29.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are responsible for packing out all trash and recycling; no disposal facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresLocated near Port Frederick, the cabin is surrounded by tidal flats and is a short distance from Neka Hot Springs.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight issues with the cabin's maintenance, such as leaks around skylights and windows, and the lack of firewood. Some reviews also note discrepancies in online descriptions, such as no mooring buoy despite being listed.
Campground Map
HOONAH RANGER DISTRICT, 430 A AIRPORT ROAD, P.O. BOX 135, Hoonah, AK, USA, 99829
Driving directionsEight Fathom Cabin is located 15 miles southwest of Hoonah, Alaska on the north shore of Eight Fathom Bight at the head of Port Frederick. Access is by float plane or boat only. It is a 45-minute boat ride from Hoonah and approximately a 30-minute flight from Juneau, AK. Flight time from Hoonah is less than 10 minutes. The cabin is at the south end of the isolated Eight Fathom National Forest System road 8580 and within half a mile from the Eight Fathom Marine Access Facility (MAF) float dock. Once ashore, the cabin is accessed via a short 125-ft barrier-free trail.
The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane or boat. The float dock is not connected to the Hoonah Road System. Local tide tables should be consulted before departing.Nearby places
Hoonah: 15 miles (45-min boat ride)
Juneau: accessible via 30-min float plane flight.
Nearby supplies
Supplies available in the City of Hoonah, accessible by a 45-minute boat ride. Visitors should bring essential items like food, water, firewood, and safety gear.
Camper Reviews
4.2
8 reviews
Eight Fathom Cabin is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the unique and remote experience offered by Eight Fathom Cabin. Visitors appreciate its wildlife-rich surroundings, comfortable wood stove, and scenic views but note maintenance issues, lack of firewood, and challenges related to the primitive setting.
Review Summaries
Based on 8 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors praised the gorgeous views, abundant wildlife, effective wood stove, scenic deck, and accessibility features. Many visitors expressed a desire to return.
Based on 8 reviewsCommon Concerns
Common issues include inaccurate website information (e.g., mooring buoy), lack of firewood supply, need for maintenance on skylights and windows, and the challenging conditions of Neka Hot Springs.
Based on 8 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing plenty of dry firewood, bear spray, water filtration equipment, and rain gear. Check tide tables before boating and prepare for wildlife encounters.
Based on 8 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Late summer activities like crabbing and shrimping face challenges due to commercial operations. Winter offers opportunities for skiing and snowshoeing but requires preparation for freezing weather.
Based on 8 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. "Love that they replaced the finicky diesel stove with a nice wood stove. Just remember to bring your own dry wood!" - Jackson C.
2. "Cabin is wonderful! Gorgeous view and lots of wildlife." -...
Based on 8 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews emphasize the quality of the wood stove, the scenic surroundings, and maintenance needs of the cabin.
Based on 8 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility features such as the barrier-free trail and handicap-accessible outhouse were noted positively by reviewers.
Based on 8 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025