Marten Lake Cabin
01 reviewWRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929, USA
Marten Lake Cabin
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
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
Facility rates are $35 per night year-round, regardless of the season. Displayed rates do not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the ultimate wilderness sanctuary at Marten Lake Cabin, where your adventure begins the moment your floatplane touches down on pristine waters. This remote backcountry hideaway in the heart of Tongass National Forest promises an authentic Alaskan experience far from civilization's reach. With its rustic charm and essential amenities, the cabin beckons those who crave true solitude and the raw beauty of untouched wilderness.
Marten Lake Cabin provides a primitive camping experience focused on solitude and self-reliance. The cabin accommodates up to four people and is accessible only by floatplane, emphasizing its remote nature.
Weather and SeasonsTime your journey wisely to this seasonal paradise, where nature dictates the calendar. From May through October, Marten Lake sheds its icy winter coat, welcoming floatplanes to its liquid runway. As autumn's chill descends and winter's grip tightens through early spring, the lake transforms into an frozen fortress, temporarily sealing off this wilderness retreat. Be prepared for the region's notorious rainfall—during intense storms, Mother Nature may send water creeping across the cabin floor, adding an authentic touch to your backcountry adventure.
ElevationNestled at a modest 178 feet above sea level, the cabin rests in a dramatic valley cradle, where towering mountain sentinels stand guard on all sides. This unique topography creates a natural amphitheater of breathtaking beauty, though the valley's bowl-like formation means heavy rains can occasionally transform the landscape into nature's own water feature, bringing the lake right to your doorstep.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a emerald cathedral around Marten Lake's mirror-like waters. Majestic mountain peaks pierce the sky in every direction, their steep faces creating an ever-changing canvas of light and shadow. When lake levels drop, nature reveals a hidden treasure—a pristine sand beach that emerges like magic right in front of the cabin, offering your own private shoreline for contemplation and exploration.
Geological RegionThis remarkable refuge occupies a rare flat sanctuary within the mountainous terrain above Blake Channel and Bradfield Canal. Here, the temperate rainforest reigns supreme, with towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock forming the forest's backbone, punctuated by stately cedar sentinels. The dramatic topography tells the story of ancient geological forces that carved this valley oasis from the surrounding peaks, creating a perfect haven where forest, water, and mountain converge in spectacular harmony.
Campsite details
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 12-by-14 feet and includes sleeping accommodations for up to four people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a secluded, remote area surrounded by a rainforest and steep mountains, offering significant privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to bring flotation devices for the skiff, a small motor for rowing, and all necessary supplies including treated water and firewood.
Best CampsitesOnly one cabin is available.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per party from May 1 to September 30
- limit increases to 10 consecutive nights from October 1 to April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 people with single and double bunks.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin situated in a flat valley.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, with accessibility highly dependent on weather conditions. May 1 to September 30 corresponds to the peak season, and October 1 to April 30 represents the non-peak season.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or by contacting the Wrangell Ranger District.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required; walk-up availability is not applicable due to remote access by floatplane.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, along with forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days before arrival for cabins. Late cancellations may incur additional 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
The activities at Marten Lake Cabin include fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and lake exploration. Fishing is available for cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden in Marten Lake, steelhead in lower Marten Creek, and bear and mountain goat hunting are possible during designated seasons with appropriate permits. A skiff with oars is provided for lake exploration. The area supports wildlife viewing opportunities, including sightings of brown and black bears, moose, and mountain goats.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities include cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden in Marten Lake, as well as steelhead in lower Marten Creek. Anglers are advised to bring their own equipment.Boating
A skiff with oars is available for rowing around Marten Lake. Guests are required to provide their own flotation devices and must securely fasten the skiff when not in use.Wildlife viewing
"This area is home to brown and black bears, as well as moose (bear safety information). Mountain goats can sometimes been seen on the surrounding peaks."Beach activities
A sand beach is available in front of the cabin during low and moderate lake levels, providing opportunities for beach-related activities.Winter Activities
In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surfaces.Water Sports
Guests can row around Marten Lake using the provided skiff.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood is not provided; guests must bring their own cook stoves and matches. A wood-burning stove is available for heat.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with brown and black bears, flooding during high lake levels, and limited cell service in the area. Visitors must bring their own firewood and water.
Weather forecast
72
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 60%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
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
Wrangell Ranger District at (907) 874-2323 for local conditions; hospital and police services are likely in Wrangell, 25 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food upon departure.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Marten Lake, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating.
Campground Map
WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK, 99929, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is located at the north end of Marten Lake, southeast of Wrangell. The lake is on the mainland (at an elevation of 178 feet) above Blake Channel and the Bradfield Canal. This cabin is accessible by float plane only and is 25 miles by air from Wrangell. Marten Lake is usually ice-free from May to October. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). The cabin floor can flood during high lake levels. Please check on local conditions before you go by calling the Wrangell Ranger District at (907) 874-2323.
Accessible only by floatplane; access is highly seasonal due to lake freezing in fall, winter, and early spring. The cabin's remote location requires careful planning and coordination with local conditions.Nearby places
Wrangell (25 miles by air)
Nearby supplies
25 miles away in Wrangell
visitors must bring their own supplies and equipment due to the remote nature of the cabin.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Marten Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and serene nature of the cabin, praising its beauty and the lake's charm. However, guests emphasize the need for thorough preparation due to limited amenities.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests appreciate the beauty of Marten Lake, the secluded location offering peace and quiet, and the functional amenities of the cabin, such as the wood stove and bunks.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
The absence of potable water and electricity are commonly mentioned; visitors also note the need to bring extensive supplies and to prepare for challenging weather conditions.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers suggest bringing a motor for the skiff, ensuring all essential supplies are packed, and checking local conditions before traveling due to potential flooding and frozen lake surfaces.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The cabin is most accessible between May and October when Marten Lake is generally ice-free. Guests recommend avoiding late fall through early spring due to frozen lake surfaces, which prevent...
Based on 1 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Probably 2 of the best days of my life were spent here. What an awesome place, the lake was beautiful, the cabin was perfect." - Nathan S.
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Users did not provide site-specific reviews beyond general cabin feedback.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No accessibility-specific feedback was provided.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews mentioned pet-related policies or experiences.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025