Overview
Kennel Creek Cabin is located near Kennel Creek along the south shore of Freshwater Bay, on the northeast side of Chichagof Island. It offers visitors excellent opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery and wildlife.
This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.
The cabin is generally available year-round, depending on weather, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska.
For questions regarding cabin access and before driving to the cabin from Hoonah, please check in with the Hoonah Ranger District (430 Airport Road) during business hours or call 907-945-3631 for road conditions and cabin access. The cabin may be inaccessible via road for many months of the year.
Recreation
The cabin has good access to hunting and both freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. For information about hunting and fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
A gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. There is also a boat ramp and dock facility nearby.
Facilities
The 16 X 22-ft. milled cedar log cabin has a sleeping loft, balcony and deck. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people. There is one single over double bunk on the main floor and a full sleeping loft. Inside, the cabin features a food preparation counter, a sturdy wood table with 4 benches and a wood stove for heat. Outside there is a large picnic table, fire ring, vault toilet and firewood shelter. The first level of the cabin, the main deck, and vault toilet and picnic table are all accessible facilities for visitors with disabilities.
Firewood is not provided; however, a small woodshed nearby allows visitors to store and keep firewood dry for use at the cabin. Cabin users must provide their own firewood. Other suggested items to bring are: water for drinking, cooking and cleaning; mattresses; cooking gear; sleeping bags; lanterns or flashlights; food; toilet paper; garbage bags; and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are also recommended. No dumpsters are available, so visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Natural Features
The cabin rests on the south shoreline of Freshwater Bay. Views from the cabin’s balcony and deck overlook the bay and surrounding snow peaked mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest. Kennel Creek, an anadromous fish stream flows into Freshwater Bay about 200 yards away. This area offers abundant wildlife, including whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. Please learn about bear safety and precautions.
Nearby Attractions
The Bear Paw Lake Trail system is located approximately 4 miles northwest of the cabin on National Forest System road 8508.
Nearby Activities
- Auto touring
- Boating
- Camping
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Picnicking
- Wildlife viewing
- Photography
- Motor boat
- Snowmobile
- Berry picking
- Beach camping
- Beachcombing
- Sea kayaking
- Birding
- Whale watching
- Snowshoeing
- Wood cutting
Gallery
Directions
Kennel Creek Cabin is located approximately 19 air miles southeast of the City of Hoonah, Alaska on the south shore of Freshwater Bay. Access is by vehicle, float plane, or boat. Total distance by gravel road is approximately 27 miles. By road travel south from Hoonah past the airport. Where the road turns to gravel, drive 2 miles to the “T” intersection, turn right toward Freshwater Bay. Drive 25 miles on National Forest System road 8502/8508, veer left at all “Y” intersections. The cabin is located at the end of a short access road on your left. Road maps are avaliable at the Hoonah Ranger District office during weekday business hours.
GPS Coordinates
Latitude 57° 54′ 1.0102″ N
Longitude 135° 9′ 27.3200″ W