Wilson View Cabin

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 45 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 37 miles at 41
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 37 miles at 221

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 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 064. 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). (The Bakewell Arm is straight ahead). Set a heading of 010 for about 6 miles. [3.5 minutes]
  7. The Wilson Arm ends where the Wilson River flows into it. At the Wilson River, set a heading of 330 degrees and follow the river to Wilson Lake. [ 3 minutes]
  8. The Wilson View Cabin is located at the far end (north end) of Wilson Lake. Fly up the lake near the end and you will find the cabin on your right.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Take off from Wilson Lake and fly a heading of 185 (toward the south end of the lake) about 3 miles.
  2. At the south end of the lake, begin following the Wilson River down to the Thorne Arm of Smeaton Bay, approximately 5 miles. (Approximate heading 150). [3 minutes]
  3. Turn right into the Wilson Arm and fly an approximate heading of 187, making a correction about 3 miles later to 240 heading toward the Behm Canal.
  4. Fly to Nelson Point, which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel) and here you enter the Behm Canal.
  5. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  6. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  7. 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 1977.

Location: Approximately 44 air miles (71 km) east of Ketchikan on the mainland north of Wilson Arm at the north end of Wilson Lake, elevation 256 feet (78 m). 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, 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.

Special Features: The cabin lies on the north end of this long and narrow glacially carved lake. While you explore the inlet, you can enjoy the rugged terrain looming overhead. Fishing and wildlife viewing around the inlet are great, so bring your camera and fishing pole and spend some relaxing time on the lake. If you're more of a hunter, hunting for mountain goat, Sitka blacktail deer, black bear, and brown bear all occurs in this area.