Helm Bay Cabin
Helm Bay Cabin is located on the west shore of Helm Bay behind Forss Island. This rustic retreat is open year-round for relaxation and recreational use in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage. The site can be accessed by float plane, 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 | People / vehicles |
|---|---|
| K06 | 8 / – |
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
| 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 16-by-20 ft. three-room (pan-abode style) cabin has four single bunks and two double bunks, to sleep up to eight people. A covered deck extends from the front of the cabin. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed. A floating dock is located nearby, which is maintained by the state and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from an adjacent creek, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply. Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
The cabin is approximately 24 miles from Ketchikan or 12 miles from the Clover Pass area, located on west end of Helm Bay. It is accessible by float plane, kayak or boat with a state-maintained floating dock near cabin. Refer to USGS topographic map for Ketchikan, C-6, and consult local tide tables.
| Nearest town | Ketchikan, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 55.6283° N, 131.9772° W · Directions ↗ |
Explore
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Clover Pass SchoolBuilding · Knudson Cove · 13 mi
Natural features
The cabin sits at sea level, near a large saltwater tide flat, surrounded by an old-growth rainforest of Sitka spruce and western hemlock. A beach is revealed in front of the cabin at low tide. Guests have views of Helm Bay and the gentle, forested slopes that surround the area. The area is home to black and brown bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and mountain goats ( bear safety information ). Seals, whales and other marine mammals may be seen in Helm Bay.
Recreation
Helm Bay is especially known for excellent crabbing, as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and red snapper. Tide tables should be consulted before taking a boat out on the bay to fish. Sea kayaking is also possible.
Guidebooks for Alaska
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Helm Bay Cabin?
Sites at Helm Bay 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 Helm Bay 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 Helm Bay Cabin?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Helm Bay Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Helm Bay Cabin?
Helm Bay is especially known for excellent crabbing, as well as saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and red snapper. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Helm Bay Cabin?
Ketchikan, Alaska.
Source: Getting there
What if Helm Bay Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Last Chance Campground (17.7 mi), Three C's Group Use Campground (18.6 mi), and Signal Creek Campground (18.7 mi).
Source: Campgrounds nearby