Kook Lake Cabin
01 reviewSITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK, 99835, USA
Kook Lake Cabin
$50.00 - $50.00 / 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
Cabin rental fee is $50 per night during both peak (June 1 - October 31) and non-peak seasons (November 1 - December 31). Additional service fees for reservations apply: $8 online/app; $9 contact center; $3 in-person. Changes to reservation dates cost $10 per change.
About this campground
Escape to the extraordinary Kook Lake Cabin, where a charming A-frame sanctuary awaits at the western shores of pristine Kook Lake. Deep within the legendary Tongass National Forest, this rustic retreat offers the ultimate Alaskan wilderness experience. Your journey begins with an unforgettable floatplane flight over endless forest canopy, or for the more adventurous, a combination of boat travel and forest hiking. Here, solitude isn't just promised—it's guaranteed, as you settle into one of Alaska's most secluded getaways.
Kook Lake Cabin offers remote cabin accommodations suitable for primitive camping experiences.
Weather and SeasonsExperience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Kook Lake. From May through November, the cabin welcomes visitors with increasingly warm temperatures that peak during the glorious summer months. Winter transforms the landscape into a frozen wonderland from December through early May, when the lake becomes a sheet of ice and floatplane access gives way to nature's quiet slumber. Plan your visit during the accessible months to witness wildflowers blooming, salmon running, or autumn's golden transformation of the forest.
ElevationThe cabin sits in a natural amphitheater of varying elevations. To the north, the landscape gently climbs through old-growth forest to reach 1,500 feet, where trees give way to stunning alpine meadows. The southern horizon presents a more dramatic scene, with slopes that surge skyward to reach 2,500 feet, creating a backdrop of vertical wilderness that frames your lakeside retreat.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a landscape where ancient spruce and hemlock forests meet the gentle waters of Kook Lake. Step from your cabin door onto level ground that leads to sandy beaches—a rare treasure in this region of dramatic topography. The surrounding wilderness tells two tales: northward, the land rises gradually through moss-draped forests to alpine meadows at 1,500 feet, while southward, steep slopes rocket up to 2,500-foot peaks that pierce the sky. This diverse ecosystem supports abundant wildlife, including the majestic brown bears that call these forests home, reminding visitors they're guests in one of North America's last great wildernesses.
Geological RegionNestled within the vast Tongass National Forest—the largest temperate rainforest in the world—Kook Lake Cabin occupies a remarkable geological crossroads. Ancient glaciers carved this diverse landscape of towering spruce and hemlock forests, unexpected sandy beaches, mysterious muskegs that have accumulated over millennia, and dramatic slopes that showcase the raw power of tectonic forces. This unique terrain creates distinct microclimates and habitats, from sea-level beaches to alpine zones, all within sight of your cabin door.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for the Kook Lake Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 16x16 feet, suitable for small groups.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin provides privacy due to its remote location surrounded by spruce and hemlock forests.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring rain gear, rubber boots, and personal flotation devices (PFDs) for water and trail navigation. Pack sufficient supplies as there are no nearby facilities.
Best CampsitesThe single cabin at Kook Lake is the sole accommodation. No specific campsite ratings available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
Up to 7 nights per visit.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle A-frame cabin with surrounding flat terrain leading to steep slopes. Nearby outhouse toilet and a screened cooler box.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May through November. Inaccessible during frozen lake conditions from December to early May.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov. Additional details for changing or canceling reservations are listed on the platform.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo mention of walk-up availability; cabin is reservable only online or through approved platforms.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must occur at least 14 days prior to arrival for cabins to avoid forfeiting the first night's fee. After the cut-off, late cancellations incur a $10 fee and loss of the first night's fees.
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
Kook Lake Cabin offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, hunting, and boating. Its remote location and access to logging roads and trails make it ideal for adventurous visitors.
Hiking
Visitors can hike old logging roads in the Corner Bay road system or access the Kook Lake Trail, a 0.7-mile path behind the cabin leading to Forest Road 7540. The trail is not maintained, often wet and muddy, and crosses through muskegs. "It can be very wet, muddy and hard to follow." It connects to a 7-mile hike to Tenakee Inlet and Corner Bay.Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant and include Cutthroat and Dolly Varden trout year-round, sockeye salmon in July and August, and coho salmon in late August and September. Seasonal deer and bear hunting is also available.Boating
A small square-bowed skiff is available for boating on Kook Lake. Visitors must bring their own outboard motor (2-10 horsepower) to enhance use. Personal flotation devices are required.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is excellent for spotting brown bears and other Alaskan fauna in the remote and forested area around the cabin.Winter Activities
Winter usage of the cabin may be limited due to frozen lake surfaces, which prevent floatplane access. Seasonal deer and bear hunting is available.Water Sports
Water sports are limited to fishing and boating using the provided skiff.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- A wood stove is provided for heating; ensure proper protocols for fire safety. Firewood may be in short supply.
Hazards
General hazardsBear activity is frequent, requiring visitors to follow bear safety guidelines. Weather can be unpredictable, potentially stranding visitors due to poor conditions.
Active alertsEuropean Green Crab infestation monitoring and reporting required to prevent ecological damage.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 76%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.3 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 likely located in Sitka. Contact the Sitka Ranger District at 907-747-6671 for more details.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1 - October 31
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided; visitors are required to pack out their garbage and food waste.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the west end of Kook Lake, offering access to fishing and boating.
Common complaints"Previous users had left quite a mess for us to clean up before we could really enjoy the cabin."—Jeff D (user review).
Campground Map
SITKA RANGER DISTRICT, 2108 HALIBUT POINT RD, SITKA, AK, 99835, USA
Driving directionsAccessible May through November. Located near the eastern shore of Chichagof Island between the outlets of Tenakee Inlet and Peril Strait, about 45 miles northeast of Sitka. Access is by floatplane, 30 minutes from Sitka or Juneau; or by boating to Corner Bay and hiking 7 miles on logging road and 0.7-miles on Kook Lake Trail to the cabin. For geographic features surrounding the cabin, refer to USGS topographic maps Sitka C-3 and C-4.
Remote access only via floatplane or a combination of boating and hiking. Floatplane travel is weather-dependent and inaccessible during frozen lake conditions (December through early May). Roads to the cabin involve logging paths and rugged terrain, requiring careful navigation.Nearby places
Sitka (45 miles northeast) — accessible via floatplane in about 30 minutes.
Nearby supplies
Supplies should be brought from Sitka or Juneau prior to arrival. Visitors must be self-sufficient as no nearby facilities are mentioned.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Kook Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the adventurous nature of staying at Kook Lake Cabin and cite the need for preparedness due to its remote location. Reviews often mention the importance of cleaning up after previous visitors.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers appreciate the remote location and opportunities for fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Some complaints include the lack of maintenance of trails and facilities and occasional messes left by previous users.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Bring cleaning supplies to address potential messes left by prior guests. Prepare thoroughly with gear and food due to the cabin's remote location.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Reviews suggest that weather conditions from May to November are most favorable. Winter travel is discouraged due to frozen lake surfaces and limited accessibility.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Previous users had left quite a mess for us to clean up before we could really 'enjoy' the cabin. After about 2 hours work, we got things in order and had a fine weekend at our 24th Tongass fly-in...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site S03 in loop CHCI received user feedback about cleanliness issues.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically address pet-related experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025