Heckman Lake Cabin

Overview

Heckman Lake Cabin is located in the Naha Recreation Area at the end of the Naha River National Recreation Trail. The cabin is open year-round, offering opportunities for sightseeing, relaxation and recreation.

The site can be accessed by float plane or by boating into Naha Bay and hiking six miles on the Naha River National Recreation Trail. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The Naha River provides opportunities to fish for trout and Dolly Varden. There are also steelhead and salmon runs.

Guests have use of the cabin's provided 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars, but they must provide their own life jackets. A short shaft motor can be used with the skiff, but one is not provided.

The Naha River National Recreation Trail winds downstream along the river through old-growth Sitka spruce and western hemlock rain forest. Sights between Naha Bay and Heckman Lake include Roosevelt Lagoon, Jordan Lake and a waterfall.

Facilities

This 12-by-14 cabin ( pan-abode style ) has two single and two double bunks, to accommodate up to six people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, wood stove, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed.  Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby creek or the lake, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply. Other items to pack include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits on a low knoll and is backed by old-growth Sitka Spruce and western hemlock. The front deck of the cabin overlooks the lake and the gentle, densely forested mountain slopes on the opposite shore.

Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, beavers, marten, otters, mink and wolves are common to the area (bear safety information). Trumpeter swans are frequently seen on the lakes within the Naha Recreation Area.

The cabin is located approximately 15 miles from Ketchikan within the Naha Recreation Area. It is located near the outlet of Heckman Lake at the terminus of the Naha Recreation Trail. It is 6 miles up the trail from Naha Bay. Access is by hiking the trail from Naha Bay or by float plane. There is a large dock located at the trailhead. Refer to USGS topographic map for Ketchikan, C-5. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods.