Karta River
USFS · Lookout/Cabin · Fee
Fast facts
- Cost
- Fee charged
- Managed by
- USFS
- Type
- Lookout/Cabin
- Reservations
- recreation.gov
- Coordinates
- 55.5605, -132.5765
- Last verified
- September 18, 2026
About this place
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.
From the USFS.Official page
Is Karta River free?
No. Karta River charges a fee. It is managed by the USFS. Sites are reservable through recreation.gov.
How do I get to Karta River?
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.
Nearby
- Karta Lake Cabin Site1.4 mi
- Salmon Lake4.0 mi
- Black Bear Lake Cabin Site11.1 mi
- One Duck Shelter Site Lookout/cabin13.2 mi
- Polk Inlet Field Camp14.3 mi
- Control Lake Cabin Site14.6 mi
- Twelvemile Cabin Site14.7 mi
- Troller'S Cove20.2 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.
