Salt Chuck East Cabin
02 reviewsPO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Salt Chuck East Cabin
$25.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
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 (April 29 - September 28): $40 per night. Non-peak season (September 29 - December 31): $25 per night. Additional reservation fees apply: $8 online, $9 via contact center, and $3 in-person.
About this campground
Escape to the untamed beauty of Salt Chuck East Cabin, where a cozy modified A-frame awaits on the pristine shores of Kupreanof Island. This hidden gem in the Tongass National Forest beckons adventurers with its breathtaking perch above shimmering saltwater grass flats, while ancient spruce and hemlock giants stand sentinel around you. Whether you're casting a line into productive waters, exploring wilderness trails, or simply watching eagles soar overhead, this remote sanctuary promises an authentic Alaskan experience far from the crowds.
Salt Chuck East Cabin offers a primitive wilderness lodging experience accessible only via boat or float plane.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this coastal paradise into a dramatic landscape where nature shows its raw power. Expect invigorating temperatures hovering between 32°F and 39°F, with Pacific storms bringing regular rain showers and occasional dustings of snow that blanket the forest in pristine white. Coastal winds up to 21 mph add their voice to the wilderness symphony, making evenings by the cabin's warmth all the more rewarding after a day of exploration.
ElevationPerched at sea level where the forest meets the tide, the cabin offers front-row seats to the daily rhythm of the saltwater grass flats, where the ebb and flow of the ocean creates an ever-changing landscape right outside your door.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the pristine Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness, where sweeping vistas of emerald saltwater grass flats stretch to the horizon. The cabin sits cradled by towering old-growth spruce and hemlock forests that have stood for centuries, their mossy trunks creating cathedral-like groves. This rich ecosystem teems with life – watch for graceful waterfowl gliding across the flats, listen for the drumming of grouse in the understory, spot Sitka black-tailed deer browsing at forest edges, and always be bear-aware as black bears roam these ancient woods.
Geological RegionDiscover the unique Petersburg Creek-Duncan Salt Chuck Wilderness, where the meeting of land and sea has created a spectacular mosaic of saltwater grass flats interwoven with stands of majestic old-growth forest. This protected wilderness showcases the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska's temperate rainforest ecosystem, where centuries-old spruce and hemlock trees tower over a landscape shaped by tides, time, and the powerful forces of the North Pacific.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to the cabin requires a boat or float plane. There is no road access, making it challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Access by helicopter is prohibited.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates up to seven guests and includes a sleeping loft.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin sits within a wilderness area, providing a secluded and private experience.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring a tide book for navigation and plan travel during high slack tide. Ensure oil heater supplies and treat water before consumption.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the sole campsite and provides privacy and proximity to wilderness activities.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay: 7 consecutive nights (May 1 - September 30), 10 nights (October 1 - April 30).
Guests Allowed Per Site
Cabin sleeps up to 7 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin features a sleeping loft, two wooden bunks, a table, benches, and an oil heater. Includes an outhouse with a pit toilet.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen April 29 - December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available on Recreation.gov and via the contact center (877-444-6777).
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin must be reserved in advance; walk-up availability does not apply.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) also forfeit the first night's fee. No refunds allowed for cancellations made after check-in time.
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
Salt Chuck East Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and hiking. "Fishing opportunities abound and anglers will find abundant steelhead in April and May, coho salmon in August and September and trout from June to September." The Portage Mountain Loop Trail is available for hiking, but reviews emphasize its primitive condition and difficulty in certain sections. Hunting is permitted under state and federal regulations. "A rowboat and oars are available at the cabin, however life jackets are not provided and visitors must bring their own." Wildlife such as waterfowl, grouse, deer, and black bears can be observed in the surrounding wilderness.
Hiking
The Portage Mountain Loop Trail connects the cabin to Portage Bay, Goose Cove, and Petersburg Lake. "The trail is especially primitive and hard to follow between Goose Cove and Petersburg Lake, which is why few people hike that section."Fishing
Fishing is a key attraction at the Salt Chuck East Cabin. "Anglers will find abundant steelhead in April and May, coho salmon in August and September and trout from June to September." A rowboat and oars are provided although reviews note the boat's poor condition and missing oars.Boating
Guests can use the rowboat provided at the cabin or bring a small outboard motor for exploring nearby waters. However, user reviews note the rowboat is currently unusable due to damage.Wildlife viewing
The area surrounding the cabin offers opportunities to observe waterfowl, grouse, deer, and black bears. Guests are encouraged to practice bear safety.Winter Activities
Winter activities are not explicitly mentioned, although the cabin's oil heater and insulated structure may accommodate cold weather stays.Water Sports
Fishing and limited boating are the primary water-related activities available at the cabin.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must bring their own fire starter supplies.
- Quiet hours not specified.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife hazards include black bears. Navigation hazards include rapids at the mouth of the Salt Chuck, accessible only during high slack tide. Weather can be unpredictable, requiring preparedness for extended stays.
Active alertsGuests are encouraged to report missing or damaged items to Petersburg Ranger District. European Green Crab invasive species has been detected in the region.
Weather forecast
67
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 10.6 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
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
Closest emergency services are available in Petersburg and can be reached by float plane or boat.
Good to know
Peak season datesApril 29 - September 28.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out all garbage and food. A broom and dustpan are generally available to help clean the facility before departure.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to Duncan Salt Chuck, with a small creek nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight that the rowboat provided is unusable due to leaks and missing oars. Strong tidal currents make navigation challenging.
HostManaged by the Petersburg Ranger District. Contact: 907-772-3871.
Campground Map
PO BOX 1328, PETERSBURG, AK 99833, USA
Driving directionsFrom Petersburg, the journey is 15 miles by float plane or 40 miles by boat. A 14-foot tide is necessary to access this cabin by boat, and the rapids at the entrance to the Salt Chuck are navigable only at high slack tide (up to 45 minutes after high tide). Guests are advised to check current conditions prior to their trip.
The cabin is accessible exclusively by boat or float plane. A 14-foot tide is required for boat access, and navigation can only be done at high slack tide due to hazardous rapids.Nearby places
Petersburg - 15 miles (float plane) / 40 miles (boat)
Nearby supplies
Supplies and groceries can be purchased in Petersburg, approximately 15 miles away via float plane or 40 miles by boat.
Camper Reviews
0.0
2 reviews
Salt Chuck East Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
The user reviews for Salt Chuck East Cabin highlight its excellent condition with functional facilities, but they also point out issues such as the poor state of the rowboat and challenges with accessing the cabin due to tidal restrictions.
Review Summaries
Based on 2 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests praise the cabin's overall condition and describe the oil heater as effective in cold weather. "Cabin was in excellent condition and stove works fine." The wilderness setting provides...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Reviews mention the rowboat's disrepair and missing oars as a significant drawback. "The boat is in disrepair, unsafe, and not usable, with bad leaks and cracks." Access to the cabin is challenging...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Guests strongly recommend bringing a tide book to navigate the Salt Chuck's tidal challenges. "Bring a Tide Book! The Salt Chuck is impounded by a spit of rocks that is traversable by boat only at...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Fishing opportunities are seasonal, with steelhead available in spring, coho salmon in late summer, and trout in summer. Cold weather stays are manageable with the oil heater but require careful...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Cabin was in excellent condition and stove works fine." "Bring a Tide Book! The Salt Chuck is impounded by a spit of rocks that is traversable by boat only at high tide." "The boat is in disrepair,...
Based on 2 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No site-specific reviews beyond general comments on the cabin and surrounding area.
Based on 2 reviewsAccessibility Features
The cabin requires access by boat or float plane, and no accessibility features are mentioned. Reviews do not address experiences of campers with disabilities.
Based on 2 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific comments on pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 2 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025