Humpback Lake Cabin

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 55 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 37 miles at 090
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 37 miles at 270

VFR Directions: To the Island 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 south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 115 for the State Islands 8 miles ahead [4.5 minutes]
  5. Over the State Islands, set a heading of 097 for Kah Shakes Point 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  6. At Kah Shakes point, set a heading of 029 heading for Orca Point 6.2 miles ahead. You are flying up the Boca de Quadra channel [3.5 minutes]
  7. Orca Point comes on on your right, and this is where you will make a right turn to 114 degrees for the tiny Kite Island in the center of the channel, 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  8. Over Kite Island, set a heading of 050 to round Grover Point, the point about 2 miles ahead on your right. You will see Hugh Smith Lake and Sockeye Creek coming up but you will turn to starboard before reaching them into Mink Bay.
  9. Go to the right around Grover Point to a heading of 134 ... this is Mink Bay.
  10. Toward the end of Mink Bay, you will see Humpback Creek emptying into the bay. Turn left at Humpback Creek to a heading of 064 for about a mile until you reach the edge of Humpback Lake. Turn to starboard (right) into the lake and follow it around the "hump". You should begin to reduce altitude as you will land in 3 miles.
  11. The cabin will come up on the left just before the part of the lakes where the sides constrict ... about 3 miles.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi out in front of the cabin and set your heading for about 220 taking off and flying down the lake. Go around the humpback (veering left then around to the right) watching for the end of the lake.
  2. When the end of the lake appears, you will see the Humpback Creek area ... set a heading of 245 to fly back to Mink Bay.
  3. Over Mink Bay, set a heading of 318 to fly up the bay to Grover Point. You will be going to port (left) around Grover Point.
  4. At Grover point, set a heading for Kite Island, 3 miles ahead at a heading of 230. [1.5 minutes].
  5. At Kite Island, turn to 295 heading for Orca Point about 3 miles ahead on the left. At Orca Point you will turn left. [1.5 minutes]
  6. Round Orca Point and come to a heading of 210 which will take you to Kah Shakes Point about 6 miles ahead [3.6 minutes]
  7. At Shakes Point, you can set a heading of 279 for the small State Islands.
  8. At the State Islands, set a heading of 295 to Alava Point about 8 miles ahead [4.8 minutes]
  9. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  10. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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 1979.

Location: Approximately 48 air miles (77 km) southeast of Ketchikan on the mainland east of Mink Bay. It is accessible by float plane. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to the frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). This cabin is located within the Misty Fiords National Monument Wilderness. Please Leave No Trace of your visit.

Season of Use: Year-around.

Facilities: 2 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 the lake. Treat all water before using. Bring your own #1 fuel oil for the 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: The cabin features spectacular views of high alpine peaks with sheer granite walls. This location has the feel of complete solitude, but you are not alone. There are a few abandoned structures around the lake and a single structure commercial lodge located at the southeast end. If you are into a lengthy paddle and a beautiful hike, the Humpback Creek Trail (#715) is located at the west end of the lake. This trail was reconstructed in 1995 and offers a great view of Humpback Falls. Please note that the trailhead is located behind a large log jam at the very end of the lake. Fishing is rated as excellent for dolly varden and cutthroat trout. Hunting for Sitka blacktail deer, black and brown bear, and mountain goat is popular in this area.