Camping at Turner Lake East Cabin Campground
Overview of Turner Lake East Cabin
Turner Lake East Cabin is a remote retreat offering scenic vistas and a multitude of recreational activities in the Tongass National Forest, Alaska. It provides a unique wilderness experience, being accessible only by floatplane or helicopter during the summer, or by ski, snowshoe, or snowmobile in the winter.
Location and Access
Turner Lake East Cabin is located approximately 20 miles northeast of Juneau, Alaska. It is situated on the eastern shore of Turner Lake. Because of the remote nature of this site, it can only be reached by floatplane when the lake is ice-free, typically from late April to October. In the winter, when the lake is frozen, access is via helicopter or overland by snowmobile, ski, or snowshoe.
Cabin Features and Amenities
- Size: The cabin typically sleeps up to six or eight people.
- Features: It usually consists of wooden structures with a rustic feel, equipped with wooden bunks, a table, benches, and a wood stove for heating.
- Utilities: There is no electricity or running water in the cabin.
- Cooking: A cooking area may include a propane stove and oven; however, propane is not provided.
- Water: You must bring your own water or have the means to treat or boil water from natural sources.
- Sanitation: Typically, these remote cabins provide an outdoor toilet.
Recreational Activities
Turner Lake East Cabin is popular for:
- Fishing: The lake and nearby streams offer opportunities to catch trout and other fish.
- Boating: Kayaking and canoeing are perfect for exploring the lake and the Turner River.
- Hiking: Trails may not be well-developed, but the surrounding area offers excellent terrain for hiking and exploring.
- Wildlife Viewing: There are chances to observe brown bears, bald eagles, and various waterfowl.
- Photography: The scenic landscape of mountains, glaciers, and the lake is ideal for photography.
Planning and Reservation
- Booking: Reservations are required and can be made through Recreation.gov. The cabin is quite popular, so it is advisable to book well in advance.
- Fees: There is a nightly fee to rent the cabin.
- Duration of Stay: There may be a maximum number of nights you can reserve the cabin to allow access to other visitors.
- Check-in & Check-out: Specific check-in and check-out times are typically enforced to ensure smooth transitions between guests.
Important Rules and Regulations
- Pack in, Pack out: Visitors are required to pack out all trash and leftover food.
- Pets: Policies regarding pets can vary, so it's crucial to check if pets are allowed.
- Bears and Wildlife: Proper food storage and handling are critical to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife.
- Fires: Open fires are usually prohibited. Use the provided wood stove or bring a portable cooking stove.
- Weather and Safety: Weather in the Tongass National Forest can be unpredictable. Always be prepared with appropriate gear and an emergency plan.
- Special Permits: Some activities, like fishing and hunting, require state permits or licenses.
Please Note: This information provides general guidance and is subject to change. Always verify current conditions, cabin amenities, and regulations by contacting the Tongass National Forest ranger district or visiting the official website or Recreation.gov before planning your trip.