Karta River Cabin
Pan Abode cedar log cabin (12'x14') with large porch at mouth of Karta River and edge of bay. Trailhead to 5.5 mile Karta Trail into Karta Wilderness begins by cabin. Floatplanes and boats may land in front of cabin at any time. During sockeye salmon season, people gather at mouth of river to subsistence fish, often process and smoke fish on site. Area is rich with cultural history. Mining communities and native homesteaders proliferated in Karta Bay from 1900-1905. Ducks, shorebirds. Harbor seals, sea lions, sea otters, whales. Abundant black-tailed deer, bald eagles, black bears, beaver, otters, marten, mink, and weasels. Cabin sleeps up to 5, oil stove (#1 diesel, not provided), outhouse. Bring your own #1 diesel (highest setting = 0.2 gal/hour), sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lantern, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire starter. It's a good idea to bring your own water. Please take your fuel container with you when you leave.
At a Glance
Operational Hours: | Check in/out at noon |
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Reservations: | www.recreation.gov A $9 reservation fee will be added to each reservation. |
Fees: | $55/night peak season May 1 – September 30 $35/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30 |
Usage: | Light |
Closest Towns: | Thorne Bay, Hollis |
Water: | No |
Restroom: | Vault Toilet (1) |
Operated By: | Forest Service |
General Information
Directions: Mouth of Karta River, 34 air miles (87 km) NW of Ketchikan, 22 air miles (35 km) from Craig. Float plane or boat from open ocean. Best to arrive at high tide (see Ketchikan tide tables). USGS Map Craig C-2.Activities
Cabin Rentals
Occupancy of Forest Service cabins is by permit only.
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 |
Estuary Fishing
Fish in the estuary or Karta River, just beyond the Karta River cabin, to catch salmon and many other species. During sockeye salmon season, people gather at mouth of river to subsistence fish, often process and smoke fish on site.Fish Species | Silver salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, dolly Varden, steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout |
Special Designations | Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for steelhead and cutthroat as wild populations are fragile in many waters throughout the area. |
Fishing Mode | Boat or bank |
Water Temperature | Cold |
Fishing Method | Bait or lure |
Water/Flow Level | Access cabin by float plane or boat from open ocean. Best to arrive at high tide (see Ketchikan tide tables). |
River and Stream Fishing
Fish in the Karta River, just beyond the Karta River cabin, to catch salmon and many other species. During sockeye salmon season, people gather at mouth of river to subsistence fish, often process and smoke fish on site.Special Designations | Catch-and-release fishing is encouraged for steelhead and cutthroat as wild populations are fragile in many waters throughout the area. |
Fish Species | Silver salmon, sockeye salmon, pink salmon, dolly Varden, steelhead trout, cutthroat trout, rainbow trout |
Fishing Mode | Bank |
Water Temperature | Mixed warm/cold |
Fishing Method | Fly or lure |
Backpacking
Backpack from Karta Bay to Salmon Lake on the Karta River Trail. This 5 mile trail offers hikers opportunities to travel from the saltwater bay to a large remote lake in the Karta River Wilderness Area. Crossing Piggyback Creek, between Karta Lake and Salmon Lake, may be difficult during high water periods.Elevation desc | 500 feet |
Difficulty Level: | Intermediate to Difficult |
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