Turner Lake West Cabin
Turner Lake West Cabin is extremely popular and considered to be one of the most beautiful cabins on the Tongass National Forest. It is open for year-round enjoyment, offering scenic views and access to a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane, motor boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|
| J09 | Full | 6 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates. |
This is a chalet-style log cabin that has a fireplace with beautiful stonework. It sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, an oil heater, a cooler box for food storage, an outhouse and food preparation space. Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from the lake or a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Visitors must bring a supply of #1 diesel oil or kerosene (one gallon per day on lowest setting), in addition to sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
The cabin is located 18 miles east of Juneau at the west end of Turner Lake. Access is by float plane or by boating up Taku Inlet and hiking 0.8 miles to the cabin. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land).
| Nearest town | Juneau, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 58.3124° N, 133.9569° W · Directions ↗ |
Good to know
- Heating oil is not provided.
Explore
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miWest Turner Lake Trail0.7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
Trailheads within three miles
- 0.6 miTurner Lake Trailhead ↗Tongass National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Alaskan HotelBuilding · Juneau · 12.4 mi
Natural features
The cabin sits on rock that slopes directly to the water. The area has spectacular scenery with cliffs and numerous waterfalls cascading into the lake. This area is home to grizzly and black bears, moose and mountain goats ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on Turner Lake.
Recreation
Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon in Turner Lake. Pink salmon and Dolly Varden is available in the Turner River and Taku Inlet. A 0.8 mile trail goes from the ocean to the cabin. A skiff with oars is available at the cabin, but guests must provide their own flotation devices. Guests can bring a small outboard to attach to the skiff. The Turner Creek and mudflats may be difficult to navigate in lower tides, so a shallow draft boat or kayak is recommended. During high tides, larger inboard/outboard boats can navigate the inlet. Bear, mountain goat and waterfowl hunting is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits.
Guidebooks for Alaska
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Turner Lake West Cabin?
Sites at Turner Lake West Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Turner Lake West Cabin?
Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Turner Lake West Cabin?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Turner Lake West Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Turner Lake West Cabin?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Turner Lake West Cabin?
Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden and kokanee salmon in Turner Lake. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Turner Lake West Cabin?
Juneau, Alaska.
Source: Getting there
What if Turner Lake West Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Mendenhall Campground (23 mi), Auk Village Campground (27.6 mi), and Kook Lake Cabin (59 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby