Turner Lake West Cabin

This cabin is probably the most unique of all Forest Service Cabins. The cabin and facilities are in good condition. The setting is spectacular. Fishing is very good, both in the lake and in the river. We caught many Cutthroat Trout using spoons and spinner bait(s), several in the 24” to 28” range, mostly around the bases of the numerous waterfalls around the lake. We caught several Kokanee in the same spots using the same lures. We caught Cutthroat and Dolly Varden in the river below the main falls at the outlet of the lake. I saw multiple Black Bear near this cabin and the river 20 years ago, but we saw no bears and few bear signs on this trip (8/31 to 9/4). Bring or rent an outboard if you want to explore the lake. The lake is 8.5 mi long and subject to strong breezes at times. The outhouse (porta john) is just off the trail nearly 100 yards from the cabin, though it is a fairly easy walk. The trail down the river and to saltwater is partly covered by light brush as you get closer to the ocean. It’s completely manageable, but should be noted. It takes 30+ minutes at a normal pace to walk down to saltwater. I would highly recommend this cabin for the magnificent views alone.

First-time stay by our group of long-time Juneauites. Beautiful cabin and location. We were going to skiff in but decided to take Ward Air instead. In retrospect, probably a good choice!
If you're headed there, a good bristly doormat would be an excellent addition. The main floor is difficult to keep clean (it's made of uneven stonework). Swept many times.
Myron the mouse is still present and accounted for. Be sure to put all foodstuffs and paper towels, etc., in cupboards at night/when you're not in the cabin.
A group of eight canoeing Canuks portaged up from the inlet during our stay and used the rocks to dry out their gear/rest and reset for their paddle to East Turner. No problem - just be aware that you may not always be 100% alone in the wilderness!
Some items that were there during our stay that you *may* decide not to bring: a first aid kit, dustpan, roll of paper towel, TP. We filled one large jug there w/waterfall water.
We hauled a few logs out of the lake and meant to leave some wood ready/partially dry for the next party, but one of our group couldn't sleep and burned through it all during our last night, LOL. Sorry! :(
Overall fantastic trip, even in the rain. Enjoy!

First-time stay by our group of long-time Juneauites. Beautiful cabin and location. We were going to skiff in but decided to take Ward Air instead. In retrospect, probably a good choice!
If you're headed there, a good bristly doormat would be an excellent addition. The main floor is difficult to keep clean (it's made of uneven stonework). Swept many times.
Myron the mouse is still present and accounted for. Be sure to put all foodstuffs and paper towels, etc., in cupboards at night/when you're not in the cabin.
A group of eight canoeing Canuks portaged up from the inlet during our stay and used the rocks to dry out their gear/rest and reset for their paddle to East Turner. No problem - just be aware that you may not always be 100% alone in the wilderness!
Some items that were there during our stay that you *may* decide not to bring: a first aid kit, dustpan, roll of paper towel, TP. We filled one large jug there w/waterfall water.
We hauled a few logs out of the lake and meant to leave some wood ready/partially dry for the next party, but one of our group couldn't sleep and burned through it all during our last night, LOL. Sorry! :(
Overall fantastic trip, even in the rain. Enjoy!

Great cabin. Definitely bring a kicker for the skiff to explore the lake--it is phenomenal! Great fishing all over the lake!

Great cabin. Definitely bring a kicker for the skiff to explore the lake--it is phenomenal! Great fishing all over the lake!

Charming old cabin. looks just like it did 40 years ago when I was there last. Must bring firewood. The instructions on the rate of kerosene was off. For 3 days we burned through 5 gallons on the low setting and had to turn it off at night to conserve. Outhouse is a little further away than I remembered. The fish like to bite at evening time.

Charming old cabin. looks just like it did 40 years ago when I was there last. Must bring firewood. The instructions on the rate of kerosene was off. For 3 days we burned through 5 gallons on the low setting and had to turn it off at night to conserve. Outhouse is a little further away than I remembered. The fish like to bite at evening time.

The weather was outstanding, fishing was excellent in the lake and outflow river.
Mouse ran across my guest back in the middle of the night.

The weather was outstanding, fishing was excellent in the lake and outflow river.
Mouse ran across my guest back in the middle of the night.

The cabin is great with a great set up on the rock above the lake. Definitely bring a kicker to put on one of the two skiffs, so you can explore the rest of the lake. The walk down to the inlet is lovely - bring bear spray!

Enjoy!