Florence Lake (East) Cabin

Cabin Rentals

Occupancy of Forest Service cabins is by permit only. Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 (518-885-3639 overseas) or via internet at www.recreation.gov. Reservations are restricted to a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per party for any one reservation May 1 - September 30 and a maximum stay of 10 consecutive nights per party October 1 - April 30.

Reservation Info	This site can be reserved by calling Toll Free 1-877-444-6777 (International 518-885-3639 or TDD 877-833-6777 or on-line at www.recreation.gov
Size Restrictions	Max no of people - 7

Lake and Pond Fishing

Lake Florence is usually ice free by early May through mid November for fishing. Shallow along edges of lake.

Fish Species	Large population of cutthroat trout and populations of Dolly Varden and kokanee
Special Designations	For fishing information, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
Fishing Mode	skiff, shoreline, hip and chest waders
Water Temperature	Ice covered for five months and fed by snowmelt and cold rain runoff, this lake remains cold
Fishing Method	Lures: artificial lures - shiny spoons and spinners, and flies
Water/Flow Level	Lake level will rise abruptly and cover shoreline beach during periods of heavy rainfall

Day Hiking

Clearcuts and roads are visible from the cabin. The road system is overgrown on numerous sections. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake that ends with a dramatic view of Chatham Straight and Chichagof Island. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin.

Elevation desc	Trail elevations range from saltwater to 200 feet for the Lake Florence trail
Difficulty Level:	Easy to More Difficult

Big Game Hunting

Much of the surrounding area is private land and has been clearcut. Clearcuts are visible from the cabin. The road system is overgrown on numerous sections. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin. Fee information and application forms are available from the corporation by calling toll-free 1-800-478-3534. For hunting regulations, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Species	Brown Bear, Sitka Blacktail Deer
Difficulty Level:	Intermediate to Difficult

Small Game Hunting

Much of the surrounding area is private land and has been clearcut. Clearcuts and roads are visible from the cabin. The road system is overgrown on numerous sections. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin. Fee information and application forms are available from the corporation by calling toll-free 1-800-478-3534. For hunting regulations, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Species	Marten, Red Squirrel, River Otter, Beaver ,Mink
Difficulty Level:	Intermediate to Difficult

Game Bird/Waterfowl

Much of the surrounding area is private land and has been clearcut. Clearcuts and roads are visible from the cabin. The road system is overgrown on numerous sections. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin. Fee information and application forms are available from the corporation by calling toll-free 1-800-478-3534. For hunting regulations, contact the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Species	Grouse, Canada geese, scoters, long-tailed duck, Barrow's goldeneye, harlequin, and buffleheads along with mallards, scaups, and mergansers.
Difficulty Level:	Intermediate to Difficult

Viewing Wildlife

Although the valley this cabin sits in has been logged, healthy wildlife populations provide wildlife viewing along the lake shoreline, logging roads and a 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater that begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin.

Species	Brown bear, Sitka blacktail deer, numerous bird species, mink, marten, river otter, beaver, red squirrel, western toad, rough skinned newt are among the list of creatures inhabiting the area.
Special Feature	Pink salmon begin entering the lake outflow in July through early September.
Difficulty Level:	Easy to Difficult

Viewing Plants

Viewing Scenery

Sweeping views beyond the clearcuts to the south and east display rugged snow covered mountains during the spring season. A 1-mile (1.6 km) trail to saltwater begins on the north side of the outlet stream at the west end of the lake that ends with a dramatic view of Chatham Straight and Chichagof Island. You are surrounded by Shee Atika Corporation lands and a permit is necessary to hike from the cabin.

Difficulty Level:	Easy to Difficult

Boating - Motorized

skiff with oars located on Florence Lake gravel beach near cabin

Type of Craft	lake skiff
Motor Type	Cabin users may also choose to bring a small outboard motor (less than 10 horsepower due to wilderness regulations).
Difficulty Level:	Easy

Boating - Non-Motorized

skiff with oars located on Florence Lake gravel beach near cabin

Difficulty Level:	Easy to Intermediate

Swimming

Florence Lake is ice covered for five months, snowmelt and cold rain keeps it full during the spring and summer so the water temperature is never considered warm. Late July through August the surface water near the shoreline can warm enough that on a sunny afternoon a swim is possible.

Difficulty Level:	Easy