Cabin rental · U.S. Forest Service · Tongass National Forest · Ketchikan, AK

Helm Creek Cabin

Helm Creek Cabin is located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek. This rustic retreat is open year-round, offering opportunities for relaxation, sightseeing and recreation. 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 ↗
Helm Creek SignKitchen Area and StoveHelm Creek Cabin FrontHelm Bay
Photos courtesy of USFS · Recreation.gov

Site mix

Cabins1
This cabin is booked as a single unit on Recreation.gov. The booking page shows which dates are open and how far ahead they release. How the booking window works

Site guide

1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.

SitePeople / vehicles
K166 / –

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

FeesOnly 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 12-by-14 ft. (pan-abode style) cabin has two single and two double bunks, to sleep up to six people. 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 mooring float is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby 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

NOAA climate normals →
Weather by month near Helm Creek Cabin30°40°50°60°January: 11.67 inches of precipitationFebruary: 7.80 inches of precipitationMarch: 7.49 inches of precipitationApril: 7.33 inches of precipitationMay: 5.50 inches of precipitationJune: 4.73 inches of precipitationJuly: 5.19 inches of precipitationAugust: 8.01 inches of precipitationSeptember: 10.20 inches of precipitationOctober: 12.93 inches of precipitationNovember: 13.12 inches of precipitationDecember: 10.77 inches of precipitationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecJanuary: 34.6°F averageFebruary: 36.2°F averageMarch: 38.1°F averageApril: 43.2°F averageMay: 49.9°F averageJune: 55.2°F averageJuly: 58.6°F averageAugust: 58.9°F averageSeptember: 53.3°F averageOctober: 45.9°F averageNovember: 38.8°F averageDecember: 34.8°F average0 in5 in10 in15 inTemp °FInches
The line is the average temperature and the bars are average precipitation at Ketchikan 10N, 15 miles from the campground at 295 feet, station USC00504594 in the NOAA monthly climate normals for 1991 to 2020. Precipitation totals about 105 inches a year.

Getting there

The cabin is located on the east shore of Helm Bay near the mouth of Helm Creek. It is about 24 miles from Ketchikan, west of the Clover Pass area. The cabin is accessible by float plane, kayak or boat, and a buoy is located directly in front of the cabin. Please consult Local tide tables in advance.

Nearest townKetchikan, Alaska
Coordinates55.6517° N, 131.9809° W · Directions ↗

Explore

On the National Register nearby

On Register Atlas →

Natural features

The cabin faces northwest, with a good view toward the head of Helm Bay and the surrounding mountains. It is adjacent to a large saltwater tidal flat at the outlet of Helm Creek. A moderately steep sloping beach is located in front of cabin. This 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. Trout and Dolly Varden fishing is possible in nearby Helm Lake, but there is no trail to the lake. Local tide tables should be consulted before taking a boat out on the bay. Sea kayaking is also possible.

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Reference

Questions people ask

Do I need a reservation at Helm Creek Cabin?

Sites at Helm Creek 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 Creek 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 Creek Cabin?

Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.

Source: Recreation.gov

How many sites does Helm Creek Cabin have?

1 site, including 1 cabin.

Source: Recreation.gov

What is there to do at Helm Creek 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 Creek Cabin?

Ketchikan, Alaska.

Source: Getting there

What if Helm Creek Cabin is full?

The nearest public campgrounds are Last Chance Campground (19 mi), Three C's Group Use Campground (20.1 mi), and Signal Creek Campground (20.1 mi).

Source: Campgrounds nearby