PLOTNIKOF LAKE CABIN

Overview Plotnikof Lake Cabin is located on Baranof Island within the South Baranof Wilderness Area, 45 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin is generally available mid-June to October and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site.

The cabin can be accessed by floatplane only, weather permitting. From Sitka, it's 40-minute plane ride, then a 100-foot walk to the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.

Recreation Plotnikof Lake and its inlet stream on the north shore offer fair rainbow trout fishing. Steelhead runs occur from mid-May to early June on the outlet stream on south shore; coho salmon from late August through September. 2-mile Davidof Lake Trail begins behind the cabin, ending at an outlet stream on Davidof Lake.

The trail is not maintained and can be difficult to find. Hunters willing to walk some distance from cabin will find good deer hunting in the surrounding area. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

Facilities The 12 x 14-ft wood, Pan abode-style cabin can accommodate up to six people. It offers two double plywood bunks and two single plywood bunks. Amenities include an oil stove for heat, a table with benches, a cooking counter, broom, axe or splitting maul, outdoor screened cooler box and an outhouse toilet.

The cabin does not include heating oil, mattresses or cooking utensils. Visitors should bring #1 diesel oil (generally 10 gallons for a three-day stay, more of less depending on the time of year), sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Rain gear and boots are recommended.

Firewood is not provided for campfires; gather dead and down wood.