Kathleen Lake Cabin
01 reviewADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA
Kathleen Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $25.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
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
The cabin uses a flat rate of $25 per night regardless of the season. Additional fees may apply for Shee Atika Corporation permits ($25 per person for up to 7 consecutive days).
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Admiralty Island's pristine wilderness, Kathleen Lake Cabin stands as your gateway to an untouched Alaskan paradise. This remote retreat in the Tongass National Forest beckons adventurers seeking solitude among ancient forests and crystal-clear waters. Here, world-class fishing meets extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities, where brown bears roam the shoreline and eagles soar overhead. While the journey requires careful planning and preparation, those who make the effort are rewarded with an authentic wilderness experience few places can match.
Kathleen Lake Cabin provides wilderness lodging for small groups, accommodating up to six people.
Historical SignificanceThis land tells a story of indigenous heritage and modern stewardship. The surrounding territory belongs to the Shee Atika Corporation, honoring the deep connection between Alaska Native peoples and these ancestral lands. Visitors must obtain permits before exploring beyond the immediate cabin area, a requirement that helps preserve both the cultural significance and natural integrity of this special place. This partnership between recreation and respect ensures future generations can experience the same unspoiled wilderness.
Weather and SeasonsFrom mid-May through November, Kathleen Lake sheds its winter armor of ice, transforming into a shimmering expanse perfect for paddling and fishing. These precious ice-free months offer the ideal window for exploration, when the landscape bursts with life and the waters teem with activity. As winter approaches, the lake becomes a frozen wonderland, beautiful but impassable, reminding visitors that this wilderness operates on nature's schedule, not ours.
ElevationInformation not available
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering old-growth spruce and hemlock create cathedral-like canopies overhead, their ancient trunks standing sentinel over glacier-fed streams that whisper through the forest floor. The landscape unfolds like a natural tapestry, weaving together emerald muskeg meadows with the raw beauty of clearcut regeneration areas, all set against a backdrop of rocky peaks crowned with ancient glaciers. This dynamic ecosystem provides a stage for nature's daily drama, where Sitka black-tailed deer graze in forest clearings, waterfowl paint patterns across the sky during their seasonal migrations, and the unmistakable silhouette of a brown bear might appear along the water's edge at any moment.
Geological RegionThe Kathleen Lake area showcases Southeast Alaska's dramatic geological story, where ice and time have sculpted a landscape of stunning contrasts. Ancient glaciers carved the valleys now filled with dense spruce and hemlock forests, while their modern descendants still cling to distant rocky peaks, feeding the streams that nourish the land below. The terrain reveals nature's resilience through its patchwork of old-growth giants and regenerating clearcuts, while spongy muskeg bogs create unique ecosystems between forest and water. This is a place where the raw power of geological forces meets the delicate balance of temperate rainforest ecology.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not specified in the source.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to six people and includes a small loft for additional sleeping space.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a remote area, providing a private and secluded experience surrounded by old-growth trees.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended to bring 8 or 9-foot oars for the skiffs, as the provided ones might not be functional.
Best CampsitesNull
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is up to 10 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabin sleeps up to six people.
Groups
Not applicable as group camping is not provided.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutA single A-frame cabin situated on flat ground near a beach.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 through December 31.
Reservation PlatformsRecreation.gov
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are available for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night’s fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. Late cancellations and no-shows incur additional penalties.
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
Kathleen Lake Cabin provides opportunities for fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, and general outdoor recreation in a remote wilderness setting.
Fishing
Anglers can catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and northern pike in Kathleen Lake. The site is noted for its scenic setting for fishing.Boating
Visitors may use the provided skiff with oars or bring a small outboard motor (maximum 10 horsepower). Personal flotation devices are required.Wildlife viewing
The area offers ample wildlife viewing opportunities including Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, migratory waterfowl, and brown bears.Winter Activities
The cabin may be inaccessible during fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surfaces, though cold-weather camping information like snowshoeing or skiing is not specified.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to boating with the skiff or small motors. Kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are not detailed.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood should be locally purchased and burned on-site to prevent the spread of tree-killing pests.
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsBrown bears are abundant, floatplane weather conditions can change unpredictably, and visitors must adhere to bear, water, and weather safety guidelines.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 81%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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 Admiralty Island National Monument at 907-586-8800 for safety precautions.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30 (Peak Season), October 1 - December 31 (Non-Peak Season)
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by visitors. No trash or recycling facilities are provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated steps from Kathleen Lake, with access to skiffs for boating and fishing.
Common complaintsUser reviews indicate maintenance issues, such as rotting floors in the cabin.
HostNull
Campground Map
ADMIRALITY NATIONAL MONUMENT, JUNEAU, AK, USA
Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by floatplane. It is about a 30-minute flight from Juneau. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). The lake is normally ice-free from mid-May through November.
Floatplane access only; challenging seasonal accessibility due to frozen lake conditions. Visitors must arrange their own transportation.Nearby places
Juneau (approximately 30-minute flight)
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Kathleen Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remoteness and wilderness experience of the cabin while noting its rustic condition.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the scenic fishing and wildlife opportunities, as well as the cabin's secluded location.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Reviews mention the cabin's need for maintenance, specifically a rotting floor as noted by one user.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors should bring all necessary amenities and safety equipment, including drinking water, stove oil, and personal safety gear due to the cabin's wilderness location.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The cabin is most accessible between mid-May and November when the lake is not frozen. Winter conditions may make the site unusable.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The cabin is really in need of update. The floor is rotting out." - Matthew D.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site A01, Loop: AREA KATHLEEN LAKE CABIN, received a rating of 4 despite maintenance concerns.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility have been provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies have been provided.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025