AVOSS LAKE CABIN

<h2>Overview</h2> Avoss Lake Cabin is situated 35 air miles southeast of Sitka, Alaska, within the South Baranof Wilderness Area of the Tongass National Forest. The rustic A-frame cabin makes an excellent base for a remote backcountry experience that includes photography and hunting. <br /><br /> The cabin is accessed via a 30-minute float plane trip from Sitka, weather permitting. Visitors cannot access the cabin by helicopter, as it is located in a designated wilderness area. From the lake shore, visitors must walk along a narrow, 150-foot trail through a lightly wooded area to reach the cabin. <br /><br /> Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.<h2>Recreation</h2> Photography and hunting are favorite activities at Avoss Lake. From July to September, anglers may catch Dolly Varden and rainbow trout, although the fishing is slow. <br /><br /> Deer and mountain goat hunting is possible in season. This area is remote, rugged and surrounded by steep, mountainous terrain. Plan hunting trips accordingly. <br /><br /> For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=license.main">Alaska Department of Fish and Game</a> website.<h2>Facilities</h2> The <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/r10/tongass/cabins/cabin_layouts.shtml">A-frame</a> cabin measures 16 by 16 feet. It contains a sleeping loft that is reached by climbing a vertical ladder. The cabin's lower level is furnished with one double plywood bunk and one single plywood bunk (no mattresses), a table and chairs, a cooking counter and a broom. An outhouse toilet is provided. <br /><br /> The cabin is equipped with an oil stove for heat, but oil is not provided. Visitors must bring their own supply of #1 diesel oil (10 gallons for a 3-day stay, more or less depending on the time of year). Transport oil in an FAA-approved container or jerry can in a non-tip box. <br /><br /> Visitors must also bring sleeping bags and pads, a cooking stove, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, a lantern, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher, fire starter, rain gear and boots. <br /><br /> Water is available from the lake or nearby inlet stream, but must be treated before being used. It is recommended visitors bring their own supply of water. Learn about <a href="http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.water">water safety</a>. <br /><br /> A small but heavy, square-bowed skiff (rowboat) with oars is provided. A long-shaft outboard motor in the 2-10 hp range is highly recommended for use with the skiff, but is not provided. Each person using the skiff should have a Coast Guard approved personal floatation device (PFD). Tie the skiff well up on the shore and pull the plug before leaving so the boat does not fill with rain water. <br /><br /> <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/tongass/recreation/camping-cabins/recarea/?recid=79058&actid=101" target="_blank">Click here</a> for maps and additional cabin information.<h2>Natural Features</h2> The area offers wilderness solitude and beauty. The cabin sits just off the northern shore of Avoss Lake at an elevation of 800 feet at the edge of a muskeg near an inlet stream to Avoss Lake. The lake is about 1.5 miles long and nearly half a mile wide. The cabin is five miles northeast of Whale Bay on the south central portion of Baranof Island. <br /><br /> Many streams and small channels flow through the surrounding area. Wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring and summer. <br /><br /> Brown bear frequent the area. Learn about <a href=" http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry">bear safety and precautions</a>.