Bakewell Lake Cabin

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 40 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 30 miles at 064
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 30 miles at 244

VFR Directions: To Bakewell Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the far end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, this is the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set a heading for Nelson Point 030 which is 11.3 miles ahead up the Behm Canal. [7 minutes]
  5. At Nelson Point, we set a heading of 057. You are entering Smeaton Bay.
  6. At a distance of 7 miles [about 4 minutes] , you will see the Wilson Arm of Smeaton Bay veering off to port (left). Reduce altitude to about 1000 feet. The Bakewell Arm is ahead and to the right. Fly a few degrees to the right to fly into the Bakewell Arm. Look for a small outcropping in the water just ahead on the right about 1/4 mile. You will be turning sharply to starboard (right) just past this outcropping. As you make the turn, you will see Bakewell Lake ahead of you. The cabin is almost right under you at this point. Fly on down the lake, make a safe landing and taxi back to the cabin.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi down Bakewell lake (about 190 degrees, South) away from the cabin, once far enough for a takeoff, turn back toward the cabin (heading about 009) and take off to the north. After you lift off the lake, be ready to turn sharply to the left as you enter the Bakewell Arm and follow it back down into Smeaton Bay.
  2. Following Smeaton Bay, fly to Nelson Point [5 minutes], which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel). Here you enter the Behm Canal.
  3. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  5. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island (8.7 miles) ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination. [5.5 minutes]

Description: This is a rustic style 12' x 14' Pan-Abode log cabin with an oil stove for heat and sleeping space for 4 to 6 people. The cabin was built in 1978.

Location: About 40 air miles (64 km) east of Ketchikan on the mainland south of Bakewell Arm of Smeaton Bay, elevation 168 feet (51 meters). Accessible by float plane or canoe. Access to the lake from salt water is easy, but the cabin is approximately two miles down the lake from the end of the trail. Please note: There is no mooring buoy at the trail head. This cabin is located within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Please Leave No Trace of your visit.

Season of Use: Year-around.

Facilities: Single plywood bunks, 2 double plywood bunks, Table and benches, Oil stove (uses #1 fuel oil, NOT provided), Cooking counter, Food cupboard and shelves, Broom, mop and bucket, Outhouse toilet, 14' aluminum skiff with oars and NO life jackets

Water is available from a nearby creek or the lake. Treat all water before using. Bring your own #1 fuel oil for the oil stove, personal flotation devices, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lantern, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire extinguisher and fire starter.

Special Features: This cabin is ideal for families with kids or anyone who enjoys lazy days on the beach. The cabin has a nice white sand beach and lots of room to spread out. It is surrounded by an old-growth forest of spruce, hemlock, and cedar. Fishing opportunities include dolly varden and cutthroat trout. Also, from July through September, sockeye, pink, chum and coho salmon make their way to the lake to spawn. There is also some steelhead fishing near the outlet. Always be on the lookout for other wildlife. You may hear the distant sounds of wolves, see some Sitka blacktail deer, or witness a beaver or otter swimming in the lake. Keep your eyes open for eagles, loons and many other bird species. Hunting occurs in this area.