Distin Lake Cabin
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Free
Fast facts
- Cost
- Free
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- fs.usda.gov
- Coordinates
- 57.6295, -134.4017
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
This is an enclosed CCC Adirondack shelter built in 1936. Original notching is visible on much of the structure. Layout is similar to a Pan Abode cabin. It has sleeping space for 2 adults and 2 children. There is NOT enough room for 4 adults. The cabin sits 30 ' (9 m) back from the lake with minimal beach area. Facilities: 4 single wooden bunks, wood stove, Table and benches, Broom, Cooking counter, Maul, Axe, Wood, Outhouse. Water is available from the lake. Treat all water before using. Bring your own personal flotation devices, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lantern, pots, pans, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, fire extinguisher, and fire starter. You are in brown bear country. This is 1 of 2 cabins on the lake (the other is the Sportsmen cabin). Distin Lake is part of the Cross Admiralty Canoe route. There are 2 short portage trails on the lake, and a 3-mile (5 km) trail to Thayer Lake begins at the cabin. If you look carefully you will find some of the original CCC trail construction as you hike the trail. This structure is currently in disrepair and not available for rent.
From the USFS.
Is Distin Lake Cabin free?
Yes. Distin Lake Cabin is free to use. It is managed by the USFS.
How do I get to Distin Lake Cabin?
Distin Lake is in the central portion of Admiralty Island. Access by floatplane or canoe and portage. One-way flight time from Juneau is approximately 45 minutes. By canoe and portage, it is eight miles to Mitchell Bay. This cabin is in a designated Wilderness area, and access by helicopter is illegal. Suggested USGS topo maps: Sitka C-1, C-2.
Nearby
- Lake Guerin Shelter Lookout/cabin2.5 mi
- Hasselborg Creek6.0 mi
- Big Shaheen Cabin6.8 mi
- Lake Alexander Shelter Lookout/cabin9.8 mi
- East Florence Cabin14.3 mi
- Lake Kathleen Cabin21.2 mi
- Sitkoh Lake East Cabin25.5 mi
- Sitkoh Lake West Cabin27.1 mi
No other services within 50 mi on the record.
SourceData from the USFS. Last synced September 18, 2026. Community reports and photos are submitted by travelers and are not verified by the agency.
