Ella Narrows Cabin
02 reviewsElla Narrows Cabin
$45.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$60.00
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
During peak season (May 1 - September 30), the nightly rate is $60. During non-peak season (October 1 - December 31), the nightly rate is $45.
About this campground
Escape to Ella Narrows Cabin, where pristine wilderness meets waterfront tranquility on the shores of Ella Lake. This remote sanctuary sleeps up to six adventurous souls seeking an authentic off-grid experience. Here, you'll trade modern conveniences for the symphony of lapping waves and whispering pines—no electricity means starlit evenings by candlelight, while water comes not from taps but from the crystal-clear lake itself. Pack your sense of adventure along with your supplies, as this backcountry retreat puts you in charge of your own wilderness story.
Ella Narrows Cabin caters to visitors seeking rustic cabin accommodations in a remote wilderness area.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the legendary Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness, Ella Narrows Cabin stands as a gateway to one of America's most pristine ecosystems. This protected wonderland preserves ancient forests that have witnessed centuries pass undisturbed, where towering trees tell stories older than memory. The cabin offers visitors a rare chance to experience the landscape much as it existed before human footprints became common—a living museum of ecological treasures.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature paints Ella Narrows with dramatic seasonal brushstrokes. Winter transforms the lake into a frozen highway, while autumn's crisp air signals the approaching ice. Spring's thaw brings renewal but demands patience as ice yields to open water. With temperatures hovering between a brisk 27.9°F and 33.6°F during the shoulder seasons, visitors should prepare for nature's full spectrum—from gentle mists to wind-whipped rain. The ever-changing weather adds to the adventure, reminding guests they're truly immersed in Alaska's untamed wilderness.
ElevationPerched at the water's edge within the vast tapestry of Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness, the cabin occupies a sweet spot where forest meets lake, offering intimate access to both aquatic adventures and woodland exploration.
Natural Features and SceneryStep outside to discover nature's dual personality—a rugged cobblestone beach stretches along one shore while pristine white sand graces another, creating perfect spots for morning coffee or sunset contemplation. Ancient sentinels of spruce, hemlock, and cedar tower overhead, their centuries-old branches sheltering a vibrant ecosystem. Keep your camera ready for magical wildlife encounters: majestic black bears fishing along the shoreline, graceful Sitka black-tailed deer emerging from misty mornings, and countless other creatures who call this wilderness home.
Geological RegionDeep within the Tongass National Forest—the world's largest intact temperate rainforest—Ella Narrows occupies a spectacular corner of Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. This geological wonderland showcases nature's architecture at its finest, where ancient forests of massive spruce, hemlock, and cedar create cathedral-like groves. The crystalline waters of Ella Lake reflect this emerald paradise, creating a landscape that feels both timeless and ever-changing, shaped by millennia of natural forces.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified for this remote cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 12x14 feet in size, offering a compact but functional space for up to six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is tucked away in large old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar forest, offering seclusion and limited lake views.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests should verify firewood availability and conditions of provided amenities (e.g., boat, oars) before arriving. Bring additional supplies to mitigate deficiencies.
Best CampsitesElla Narrows Cabin is the sole campsite in this location.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
- Check-in policies not explicitly provided
- recommend contacting the ranger district for details.
Check-out
- Check-out policies not explicitly provided
- recommend contacting the ranger district for details.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 6 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle pan-abode style cabin featuring bunks, a table, wood stove, and outhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but access may be limited in fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surfaces.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability; reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the scheduled arrival date for a $10 fee. Late cancellations may incur the first night's recreation use fee in addition to the cancellation fee.
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
Fire rings
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Ella Narrows Cabin offers various outdoor recreational activities, including fishing, boating, and hunting. Its remote wilderness location also enables excellent wildlife viewing.
Fishing
Fishing at Ella Lake includes cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and kokanee salmon. Guests must bring their own fishing gear and life vests for boating.Swimming
A sand beach located approximately 50 yards from the cabin offers swimming opportunities.Boating
A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for boating. Guests must bring life vests and are responsible for repairs if the boat is damaged, as highlighted by user reviews.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing includes sightings of black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, beaver, marten, mink, and various bird species.Winter Activities
Lake access may be limited during fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen surfaces that prevent floatplane landing.Water Sports
Boating is facilitated with the aluminum skiff provided. Other water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests are to conserve firewood for wood stove use only. Open fires should be cleaned up thoroughly.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned; maintain respect for wilderness serenity.
Hazards
General hazardsBlack bears are present in the area, especially near the creek. Guests must exercise caution and ensure proper food storage. Frozen lake surfaces may present hazards during colder months.
Active alertsElla Lake Trail was heavily damaged in 2010 due to landslides and tree blow down. Contact the ranger district for current trail conditions.
Weather forecast
73
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 63%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.7 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
Ketchikan Misty Fiords Ranger District (contact for emergencies at 907-225-2148).
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all trash, food, and gear as there are no trash or recycling facilities at the cabin.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the shore of Ella Lake with access to nearby creek and beaches.
Common complaintsGuests noted a lack of maintenance, including missing firewood and damaged boats. Limited staffing and funding were cited as reasons.
HostUSFS personnel are helpful but noted to have limited capacity for maintaining remote sites.
Campground Map
Driving directionsThe cabin is approximately 24 air miles northeast of Ketchikan on Revillagigedo Island on the north end of Ella Lake. Access is by floatplane or boat. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
Access is limited to floatplane or boat. Seasonal access challenges occur due to frozen lake surfaces during fall, winter, and early spring.Nearby places
Ketchikan - 24 air miles northeast
Nearby supplies
Ketchikan, 24 air miles northeast, offers groceries, fuel, and other essentials.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Ella Narrows Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Ella Narrows Cabin are varied, with some praising its beauty and tranquility while others note concerns about maintenance and availability of key amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews highlight the scenic surroundings, quietness, excellent fishing opportunities, and the presence of a guestbook with heartfelt accounts. 'Absolutely loved the cabin. Amazing fishing,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include lack of maintenance for amenities like the skiff and wood supply: 'Due to low use of this cabin, it had not been visited by USFS this season. We arrived to find no usable...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
User recommendations include bringing additional supplies like firewood, toilet paper, and a chainsaw for wood preparation, ensuring cabin cleanliness, and checking the availability of amenities...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Visitors have reported challenges during fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surfaces making the cabin inaccessible by floatplane.
Based on 2 reviewsCamper Quotes
1. 'Absolutely loved the cabin. Amazing fishing, sights, and quietness.' 2. 'We arrived to find no usable boat, impacting our stay.' 3. 'Keep the internal wood supply stocked after you leave too. All...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific campsites other than the cabin itself are mentioned in any reviews.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessibility-related feedback is not provided for this campground.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies or experiences are not mentioned in the source material.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025