Honker Lake Cabin
00 reviewHONKER LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Honker Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $30.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
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 rates are $30 per night, and non-peak season rates are $25 per night. Additional fees may include reservation service fees ($8-$9 online or via contact center, $3 in person).
About this campground
Escape to Honker Lake Cabin, where a rustic cedar log sanctuary awaits in the heart of the Tongass National Forest. This remote wilderness retreat beckons adventurers seeking solitude amid pristine Alaskan beauty. Days here unfold with paddle strokes across mirror-like waters, the tug of a fishing line, and intimate encounters with the forest's wild inhabitants. Far from civilization's hum, this primitive cabin offers an authentic back-to-nature experience where the only sounds are loon calls echoing across the lake and wind whispering through ancient trees.
Honker Lake Cabin offers a unique primitive camping experience in a remote, natural environment of southeastern Alaska.
Historical SignificanceThe cabin takes its name from the resonant calls of Canada geese—affectionately known as 'honkers'—whose annual migrations have marked the seasons here for generations. These faithful visitors return each year to this corner of the Tongass, the largest intact temperate rainforest in the world. This ecological treasure serves as a living testament to the power of conservation, preserving ancient forests that have stood since before recorded history.
Weather and SeasonsThe Alaskan wilderness reveals different personalities throughout the year at Honker Lake. Peak season (May through September) brings mild temperatures perfect for exploration, though sudden rain showers and gusty winds remind visitors they're in true rainforest country. Come winter, the landscape transforms into a crystalline wonderland, with frozen lake surfaces and snow-laden trees creating a serene but challenging environment. Access becomes an adventure in itself during these months, rewarding only the most determined souls with winter's stark beauty.
ElevationNestled at the forest floor level within the Tongass wilderness, the cabin sits in harmony with its surroundings, though specific elevation details remain part of the area's many mysteries.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a emerald cathedral where towering Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and aromatic cedar create a living canopy overhead. The forest floor bursts with wild huckleberries and tangy salmonberries in season, offering natural treats for observant hikers. Honker Lake stretches before the cabin like nature's mirror, while the legendary Honker Divide Canoe Route invites paddlers to explore hidden waterways. Keep watch for the area's charismatic residents: majestic bald eagles patrol the skies, while wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears move through the shadows of this temperate rainforest paradise.
Geological RegionThis corner of Southeast Alaska showcases the magnificent temperate rainforest ecosystem at its finest. Ancient old-growth giants—some standing for centuries—create a multilayered forest tapestry. Beneath the towering spruce, hemlock, and cedar, dense thickets of huckleberry and salmonberry bushes form an understory maze. The landscape tells a story written in moss-covered logs and crystalline streams, where Honker Lake and the connecting Honker Divide Canoe Route carve blue pathways through an endless sea of green.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided in the source materials.
Sites SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to six guests, although bunkbeds do not have mattresses.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote, forested area offering a high degree of privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended to bring personal floatation devices, water treatment gear, and extra supplies due to remoteness.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is a singular site and offers unique access to the Honker Divide Canoe Trail.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12 p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
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 allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin in a remote wilderness setting.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen from May 1 to December 31, with reservations starting June 20. Inaccessible during certain times due to frozen lakes and weather conditions.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations available; walk-up availability not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyChanges to reservations are allowed once for a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within 14 days of arrival) incur a $10 fee and forfeit first night's fee. Same-day reservations are available.
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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Honker Lake Cabin provides opportunities for outdoor recreation in a pristine and remote natural environment. Popular activities include canoeing on the Honker Divide Canoe Route, which spans 30 miles through lakes and rivers, fishing for species such as rainbow and cutthroat trout and salmon, and hiking along primitive trails bordering Honker Lake.
Hiking
Primitive trails run alongside the lake, offering scenic views and an immersive hiking experience. However, these trails are primitive, and no specific information on their length or difficulty is provided.Fishing
Fishing is a prominent activity. Anglers can target rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, coho, and sockeye salmon in the scenic surroundings of Honker Lake.Boating
The Honker Divide Canoe Route offers challenging river and lake paddling. An aluminum skiff with oars is provided at the cabin, and guests may bring a long shaft motor. Wearing personal flotation devices is strongly advised.Wildlife viewing
The area around Honker Lake is rich in wildlife, including Canada geese, bald eagles, wolves, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears. The cabin's name reflects the frequent presence of migrating Canada geese ('honkers').Winter Activities
Winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions, potentially limiting recreational opportunities during this season.Water Sports
Canoeing and kayaking on the Honker Divide Canoe Route are iconic activities, though challenging due to upstream paddling and portages.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests may use wood stoves; firewood availability not guaranteed. Guidelines for moving firewood to prevent pests are provided.
Hazards
General hazardsInclement weather, challenging canoe route, presence of black bears, and frozen lake conditions during colder months.
Active alertsWeather conditions may delay trips and access. Guests advised to bring extra supplies for extended stays.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 55%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.1 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
Contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 for safety-related inquiries. Emergency services specific details not provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food; no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated on the Honker Lake shoreline; canoeing and fishing available.
Common complaintsComplaints not documented in user reviews or official sources.
HostHost details not provided.
Campground Map
HONKER LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Driving directionsHonker Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or canoe along the Honker Divide Canoe Route. The cabin is 54 air miles from Ketchikan. The canoe launch at Hatchery Creek Bridge is 6 miles to the cabin and typically takes 7-8 hours of paddling. Inclement weather conditions may extend travel time, and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice. Guests should plan accordingly and bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days.
The cabin is accessible by float plane or canoe. Access is challenging due to weather conditions and upstream paddling. In fall, winter, and early spring, float planes may be unable to land on frozen lake surfaces.Nearby places
Ketchikan: 54 air miles
Nearby supplies
Guests must bring their own supplies including food, water, sleeping bags, and first aid kits. No direct mention of nearby grocery stores or fuel stations.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Honker Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are unavailable.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
No positive reviews are provided.
Common Concerns
No complaints have been documented.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or advice are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends in user reviews are available.
Camper Quotes
No user quotes are available.
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available.
Accessibility Features
No accessibility-specific reviews are provided.
Pet-Friendly Features
No pet-specific reviews are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025