Camping at Turner Lake West Cabin Campground

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Location and Access

Turner Lake West Cabin Campground is nestled in the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, located in Southeast Alaska. Specifically, it can be found at the West end of Turner Lake.

Access to the cabin is typically by floatplane, as it is remote and not accessible by road. The flight is about 20 minutes from Juneau. Travelers can also reach the site by canoe or kayak, but it involves a lengthy paddle, which includes traversing the portage from the saltwater at Gilbert Bay to the freshwater of Turner Lake.

Facilities and Accommodations

Turner Lake West Cabin is a rustic retreat which offers basic facilities:

Cabin Size: The cabin is generally small, accommodating around 6 to 8 people.
Sleeping Facilities: There are bunks without mattresses, so campers should bring their own sleeping pads and bedding.
Cooking: The cabin is equipped with a table, wood stove for heating, and often a simple outdoor cooking facility like a fire ring or grill.
Water: There's no running water. Visitors must treat lake or stream water for drinking, which means bringing your own water filtration system or boiling water.
Toilet: The site typically includes an outhouse or pit toilet.
Lighting: As there's no electricity, you'll need to bring your own light sources such as lanterns or headlamps.

Activities

Fishing: Turner Lake is known for excellent fishing, with opportunities to catch trout and salmon depending on the season.
Boating and Kayaking: The calm waters of Turner Lake offer ideal conditions for boating and kayaking. Note that you need to bring your own boats or arrange rentals, as these are not provided at the cabin.
Hiking and Nature Walks: There are often trails near the cabin for hiking and enjoying the vast wilderness.
Wildlife Viewing: The area is home to wildlife such as bears, eagles, and moose, offering excellent photography and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Season of Operation and Booking

The Turner Lake West Cabin, like many forest service cabins in Alaska, can be rented throughout the year. However, accessibility can be much more challenging during the winter months due to ice and weather conditions.

Bookings are usually made through the Recreation.gov website or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service. Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season (summer), as the cabins can book up months in advance.

Regulations and Considerations

Bear Country: Since this is bear habitat, proper food storage and bear safety precautions are mandatory.
Leave No Trace: It is vital to follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize your impact on the natural environment.
Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions and have appropriate clothing and gear.
Transportation Delays: As access is typically via floatplane, weather can cause delays, so keep a flexible itinerary.
Emergencies: There is often no cell phone service, so have a plan in place for emergencies.

It's important to thoroughly plan any trip to Turner Lake West Cabin, checking the most current information with the US Forest Service and being prepared for a true backcountry experience.