Laura W
VerifiedAugust 16, 2026 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
No oars for the boat, wasn’t able to make it to the cabin.
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About Sweet Water Lake Cabin
Sweet water Lake Cabin offers visitors recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Prince of Wales Island in southeastern Alaska. The remote site provides a scenic setting for fishing, hunting, boating and wildlife viewing, all within the vicinity of the cabin.
The site can be accessed by vehicle and a 1/2 mi boat paddle, float plane, or canoeing. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Activities & Attractions
Nearby
Boating
Spring
Summer
Fall
Canoeing
Spring
Summer
Fall
Fishing
Year-round
Hunting
Year-round
Year-round
Fishing
Nearby
Hunting
Nearby
Spring
Boating
Nearby
Canoeing
Nearby
Summer
Boating
Nearby
Canoeing
Nearby
Fall
Boating
Nearby
Canoeing
Nearby
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Oct 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Cooking and Fire
- Firewood Available
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Water Access
- Lake Access
- Boat Ramp / Launch
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T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
🏠
Cabin
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- 6 guests
Site Details
Up to 6 guests
Reviews
17 reviews
Summary
The Sweet Water Lake Cabin offers a unique experience, but guests should be aware of some logistical challenges. The boat access requires rowing about half a mile, and there are issues with missing oars and the condition of the boats. However, the cabin is well-stocked with firewood, and the overall experience is considered worth the money despite the drawbacks.
Based on guest feedback
3.7
Overall rating
Based on 17 reviews
5 stars
47.1% (8)
4 stars
11.8% (2)
3 stars
23.5% (4)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
17.6% (3)
Showing 17 reviews
Verified Only
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Alexander H
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
The forest service boat is missing, the boat everyone is using was placed there by my neighbor, I was there when he put it in the lake and know for a fact that it does not belong to the forest service. There were no paddles with the boat, but not surprising considering the situation. The cabin has developed a leak in the roof directly over the counter where the clear panel begins.
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Alexander H
VerifiedJuly 7, 2025 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
The forest service boat is missing, the boat everyone is using was placed there by my neighbor, I was there when he put it in the lake and know for a fact that it does not belong to the forest service. There were no paddles with the boat, but not surprising considering the situation. The cabin has developed a leak in the roof directly over the counter where the clear panel begins.
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James M
VerifiedNovember 16, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
You park in a pull out then Have to row a boat about 1/2 mi. To the left side of the lake there is no good marking of where the cabin is if you will be coming after dark I would recommend leaving a lantern on on the porch because when the fog comes in it’s hard to see anything there was plenty of firewood there and I found that the Viking fire logs from the rigin shack work great to get it going also if you have a small outboard bring it with you as there is nowhere to get one there and rowing the boat with deer in it is a pain in the A** over all well worth the money
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James M
VerifiedNovember 16, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
You park in a pull out then Have to row a boat about 1/2 mi. To the left side of the lake there is no good marking of where the cabin is if you will be coming after dark I would recommend leaving a lantern on on the porch because when the fog comes in it’s hard to see anything there was plenty of firewood there and I found that the Viking fire logs from the rigin shack work great to get it going also if you have a small outboard bring it with you as there is nowhere to get one there and rowing the boat with deer in it is a pain in the A** over all well worth the money
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Bradly E
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
There are half a dozen boats here with no plugs or oars. It’s a run down boat graveyard. User beware
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Bradly E
VerifiedSeptember 22, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
There are half a dozen boats here with no plugs or oars. It’s a run down boat graveyard. User beware
Helpful
Louis C
VerifiedAugust 14, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
Beautiful and serene. Bring some firewood with you as there was minimal firewood when we arrived. Also the aluminum boat is NOT located at the cabin, it’s at the sign for “Sweetwater Lake Cabin” and then you use the boat to row (or bring your own motor) about 600m to the cabin.
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Louis C
VerifiedAugust 14, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
Beautiful and serene. Bring some firewood with you as there was minimal firewood when we arrived. Also the aluminum boat is NOT located at the cabin, it’s at the sign for “Sweetwater Lake Cabin” and then you use the boat to row (or bring your own motor) about 600m to the cabin.
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Alexander H
VerifiedJuly 2, 2024 Stayed at: T14, Loop: AREA SWEETWATER LAKE CABIN
Beautiful location, well maintained, never disappoints. Local wildlife on the beach, fish jumping, loons calling, and plenty of firewood left for guests. Easily my favorite site, and thankyou to all the guests that help keeping it clean as well as the forest service crew that maintains it.
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Location & Directions for Sweet Water Lake Cabin
P.O. 19001, Ketchikan/Thorne Bay, AK 99919 United States
Elevation: 10 ft
Getting There
Sweet water Lake Cabin is accessible by either vehicle, 200 ft trail and a short boat trip, or by float plane.
The cabin is located 10 road miles from Coffman Cove. From Ketchikan, take Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Road 3030 approximately 2 h...
Sweet water Lake Cabin is accessible by either vehicle, 200 ft trail and a short boat trip, or by float plane.
The cabin is located 10 road miles from Coffman Cove. From Ketchikan, take Forest Service Road 20 to Forest Road 3030 approximately 2 hours from Hollis. Guests will then hike a 200 ft trail to a boat, provided by the Forest Service. The cabin is approximately a half-mile boat paddle from the trail. Refer to USGS map Craig D-3.
The cabin is also accessible by float plane, 68 air miles from Ketchikan. However, in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface. Click here for information about reaching Forest Service Cabins.
Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days Please contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 prior to arrival for more detailed information about safety precautions.
Policies & Rules
Cancellation policy
- Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
- Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
- Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
- Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
- One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
- Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
- Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
- Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.
Safety & rules
- Understand safety precautions for bears, water, and weather before booking.
- Stay alert to potential dangers and prepare for possible extended stays due to weather.
- Avoid navigating the Gold and Galligan Lagoon due to dangers.
- Pack out all garbage and food waste after your stay.
Utilities
- Bring your own water for all uses; treat natural water sources before drinking.
- Bring your own cooking stove for food preparation.
General
- Click here for a map of cabins on Prince of Wales Island
- Same day reservations are allowed for this cabin
- Same day reservations are available for this cabin
- Learn more about Tongass National Forest
Site capacity
- Reservation holder must be at least 18 and part of the group using the cabin.
Site types & loops
- Commercial use of the cabin is not allowed.
Fees & deposits
- No discounts available for Golden Age and Golden Passports.
Fires & fuel
- Purchase firewood locally and burn on-site to prevent pest spread.
Wildlife & food storage
- Report sightings of the invasive European Green Crab to assist with management efforts.
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service