McDonald Lake Cabin

Minimum ceiling:2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 50 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 23 miles at 013
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 23 miles at 193

VFR Directions: To the cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT, position going north up the Tongass Narrows, heading 301 for 2.9 miles to Higgins Point, the point of land on the right ending the Tongass Narrows.
  2. At Higging Point, set a heading of 347 for Betton Island, about 3.6 miles ahead.
  3. At Betton Island, set a heading of 337 for 18.2 miles heading for Snail Point.
  4. At Snail point, set a heading of 323 for 8 miles to the cabin on McDonald lake. The cabin is on the right side of the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Leave the lake on a heading of 143 heading for Snail Point. You will fly over Spacious Bay with Yes Bay to port.
  2. At Snail Point, set a heading of 157, heading for Betton Island, 18.7 miles distant.
  3. Over Betton Island, set a heading for Higgins Point, heading of 168 for 3 miles.
  4. At Higgins point, turn into the Tongass Narrows and head toward PAKT. (Heading 121)

Description: This is a rustic style 12' x 14' Pan-Abode log cabin with a wood-burning stove and sleeping space for 4 to 6 people. The cabin was constructed in 1967.

Location: About 50 miles from Ketchikan. McDonald Lake is located on Cleveland Peninsula north of Yes Bay. The cabin site is on Wolverine Island near the outlet of McDonald Lake. It is accessible by floatplane or boat. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to the frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). A hike from Yes Bay to McDonald Lake via a 1.5 mile trail provides salt water access. There is no buoy at the trailhead.

Season of Use: April through October.

Facilities: 2 single plywood bunks, 2 double plywood bunks, Table and benches, Wood stove Cooking counter, Food cupboard and shelves, Broom, mop and bucket, Outhouse toilet, Wood shed, Skiff with oars and NO life jackets

Water is available from a nearby creek. Treat all water before using. Bring your own personal flotation devices, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lantern, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire extinguisher and fire starter. This cabin contains a wood stove. Please conserve firewood; supplied firewood is for wood stove use only.

Additional Comments: The skiff at this cabin uses a short shaft motor (not provided). Oars are provided; life jackets are NOT provided.

Special Features: This cabin is located in an old-growth cedar, Sitka spruce, and western hemlock rain forest. There is trail access to Wolverine Creek and a 1930s Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) 3-sided shelter. There are steelhead and salmon runs up to Wolverine Creek with resident trout and dolly varden throughout the lake. Wildlife in the area include Sitka blacktail deer, black bear, beaver, wolf, marten, mink, and otter.