Eight Fathom Cabin

USDA Forest Service campground, 1 site

Overview

Eight Fathom Cabin was constructed in 2009. It is located 15 miles from Hoonah, Alaska in the protected waters of Port Frederick. It is generally available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska, offering recreational options and abundant wildlife. The cabin is remote. It is accessible only by boat or float plane. From Hoonah, the boat ride is 45 minutes. By float plane, the flight is 30 minutes from Juneau and less than 10 minutes from Hoonah. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.

Facilities

The 15x17-ft. milled cedar log cabin has a sleeping loft and an outside deck. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people and has single over double bunk beds, a table and benches, a cooking counter, a broom and dust pan. A wood burning stove is provided for heat. The beach access trail, first level floor, outside deck and outhouse are handicap-accessible. The outhouse is located close to the cabin.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water, but water is available from a small stream nearby (learn about water safety).

Firewood is not provided. Visitors must bring seasoned dry firewood to burn in the woodstove, in addition to mattresses, cooking gear, sleeping bags, lanterns or flashlights, food,
toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( additional cabin details ). Cutting trees around the cabin site is prohibited.

Natural Features

The cabin is built on a spur road edging out onto tidal, estuary flats at the head of Port Frederick. This area offers excellent opportunities for viewing scenery and wildlife, which includes whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. The front deck of the cabin looks out over the tide flats and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest.

Nearby Attractions

Neka Hot Springs