Alava Bay Cabin

CLICK to return to TOP

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feetMinimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 20 miles
Landing Area NOT frozen in winter
Water landings year around

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 14.5 miles at 081
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 14.5 miles at 260

VFR Directions: To the Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. Begin reducing altitude as your landing is after the next waypoint.[5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point we can set a heading direct for the Alava Bay Cabin. Set your heading for 024, the cabin is 2.9 miles ahead [2 minutes].
  5. You will see three small islands in Alava Bay just ahead. The cabin is located on the north side of the small island to the left, nearest the shore. Descend and make approach based on wind and conditions.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. After leaving the cabin, set a heading for Alava Point, 204 degrees from the cabin, 2.9 miles from the cabin. [2 minutes]
  2. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  3. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination, 9 miles. [5.5 minutes]

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Bakewell Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 40 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 30 miles at 064
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 30 miles at 244

VFR Directions: To Bakewell Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the far end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, this is the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set a heading for Nelson Point 030 which is 11.3 miles ahead up the Behm Canal. [7 minutes]
  5. At Nelson Point, we set a heading of 057. You are entering Smeaton Bay.
  6. At a distance of 7 miles [about 4 minutes] , you will see the Wilson Arm of Smeaton Bay veering off to port (left). Reduce altitude to about 1000 feet. The Bakewell Arm is ahead and to the right. Fly a few degrees to the right to fly into the Bakewell Arm. Look for a small outcropping in the water just ahead on the right about 1/4 mile. You will be turning sharply to starboard (right) just past this outcropping. As you make the turn, you will see Bakewell Lake ahead of you. The cabin is almost right under you at this point. Fly on down the lake, make a safe landing and taxi back to the cabin.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi down Bakewell lake (about 190 degrees, South) away from the cabin, once far enough for a takeoff, turn back toward the cabin (heading about 009) and take off to the north. After you lift off the lake, be ready to turn sharply to the left as you enter the Bakewell Arm and follow it back down into Smeaton Bay.
  2. Following Smeaton Bay, fly to Nelson Point [5 minutes], which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel). Here you enter the Behm Canal.
  3. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  5. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island (8.7 miles) ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination. [5.5 minutes]

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Beaver Camp Cabin CLICK to go to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 28 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 21 miles at 022
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 21 miles at 201

VFR Directions: To the Cabins

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end (far end) of Bold Island, set a heading for 068 for Cone Point, 3.7 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  4. Fly over Cone Island over Cone Point and change heading to 360 heading for Evo Point, distance 5 miles [3 minutes] You are entering the Thorne Arm. Evo Point is the point of land sticking out into the water from the left shore.
  5. At Evo Point, set heading of 006 for Gokachin Lakes, approaching these lakes, your altitude must be 1700 feet minimum. [2 minutes]
  6. At Gokachin Lakes, slightly correct heading for 354 and use this heading to fly to the north end of. Ella Lake. [2 minutes] Once over Ella Lake, you may reduce your altitude to 1200 feet.
  7. At the north end of Ella Lake, make a slight heading correction to 347 and fly through the "dip" between the low mountain on the left and hill on the right. Follow the grade at a safe altitude down to Manzanita Lake about 2 miles ahead.
  8. The Beaver Camp Cabin is at this end (south end) of the lake on your left. You should land as quickly as you can to avoid a long taxi.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. After leaving the Beaver Camp Cabin, taxi north on the lake until you have enough take off room to clear the ridge at the south of the lake. Begin climbing to 1700 feet. Once over Ella Lake (about 2 minutes flight time) set a heading of 357 that will take you to the south end of Ella Lake. [2 minutes]. Continue your climb to 1700 feet.
  2. Fly 3 miles to Gokachin Lakes and reset heading for 183 direct to Cone Point (11.5 miles). [7 minutes]
  3. At Cone Point, set a heading of 252 for Bold Island, 3.7 miles [2 minutes]
  4. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 274 for Pennock Island [5 minutes]... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Big Goat Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2500 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 2200 feet
Minimum visibility: 3 mile
Approximate distance: 45 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 35 miles at 40
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 35 miles at 220

Note: This is a more difficult cabin to approach, especially in minimum weather conditions. You must have a ceiling of 2500 feet and you will be flying at 2200 feet altitude as you approach the cabin. This is a "high lake" cabin, resting at almost 1756 feet in altitude.

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 017 for Smeaton Island, 9.6 miles ahead. You will fly over Rudyerd Island on this leg. At this point, you are in the Behm Canal, a body of water that circles the Ketchikan Area. [5.5 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set your heading at 002 for Candle Island. This is the small island at the southern tip of Winstanley Island [2 minutes]
  6. Over Winstanley Island, set a heading of 333 for the Eddystone Islands, a small group of little islands 4.7 miles ahead [3 minutes]
  7. Over the Eddystone Islands, turn to a heading of 357 to cross over Louise Point, at the entrance of Rudyerd Bay. [2 minutes]
  8. At Louise Point, turn into Rudyerd Bay on a heading of 046 ... and be ready about 2 miles later to make a slight heading change to 29 degrees following Rudyerd Bay. You will see Punchbowl cove leading off to your right, you will ease left and continue following Rudyerd Bay. [5 minutes] NOTE: Be sure you are at 2200 feet minimum!
  9. You will see an intersection ... you are going to take the right fork into Big Goat Inlet on a heading of 141. [3 minutes]
  10. At the end of Big Goat Inlet you will take a sharp right turn to a heading of 088. NOTE: Be sure you are at 2200 feet minimum!
  11. You will see a mountain wall ahead of you with a waterfall coming over the top. Fly just to the right of the waterfall, once over it, you will be looking at Big Goat Lake. The lake veers a little to the left, make a slight heading correction and land. Big Goat Lake Cabin is on the second point on your right.

VFR Directions: Back to Ketchikan ... there are 2 ways you can go back to Ketchikan

1st Alternative Return: Returning as you arrived, back down Big Goat Inlet and Rudyerd Bay.

  1. Taxi to the far end of the lake and head back toward the cabin, an approximate heading of 254 ... give yourself plenty of room for takeoff
  2. Take off, flying over the cabin and once you are clear of the lake and out over the dropoff, be ready to make a right turn into Big Goat Inlet, Heading 319 for 3.4 miles [1.5 minutes]
  3. Be ready to make a sharp turn to the left (heading of 210) following Rudyerd Bay back to Louis Point, about 8 miles. [5 minutes]
  4. At Louis Point, set a heading of 177 toward the Eddystone Islands about 2 miles.
  5. Over the Eddystone Islands, set a heading of 154 degrees to fly over Winstanley Island. 5 miles [3 minutes]
  6. Over Winstanley Island, set a heading of 170 for Smeaton Island 5 miles ahead. [3 minutes].
  7. At Smeaton Island, set a course for Alava Point at a heading of 199, 12.4 miles ahead. [7.5 minutes]
  8. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [4.8 minutes]
  9. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

2nd Alternative Return: Returning via Wilson Lake

  1. Set a heading of 077 for takeoff from the cabin.
  2. As you fly over the edge of the lake, make a right turn to a heading of 179 taking you over Wilson Lake. Wilson lake is immediately visible as you make the turn.
  3. At the south end of the lake, begin following the Wilson River down to the Thorne Arm of Smeaton Bay, approximately 5 miles. (Approximate heading 150). [3 minutes]
  4. Turn right into the Wilson Arm and fly an approximate heading of 187, making a correction about 3 miles later to 240 heading toward the Behm Canal.
  5. Fly to Nelson Point, which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel) and here you enter the Behm Canal.
  6. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  7. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  8. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island (8.7 miles) ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directingyour destination. [5 minutes]

Checats Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 45 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 27 miles at 039
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 27 miles at 220

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 017 for Smeaton Island, 9.6 miles ahead. You will fly over Rudyerd Island on this leg. At this point, you are in the Behm Canal, a body of water that circles the Ketchikan Area. [5.7 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set your heading at 002 for Candle Island. This is the small island at the southern tip of Winstanley Island [3 minutes]
  6. Continue north over Winstanley Island. Just past the end of the island, look for Checats Cove on the shoreline to the right.[2 miles] A small waterfall can be seen emptying into the cove, fly over the waterfall. Cross Checats Cove at a heading of 069 at a minimum altitude of 1550 feet.
  7. The Lake is 2 miles ahead. You will fly over the cabin as you approach the lake. NOTE: be careful landing on this lake. You may have to adjust your heading to starboard, and there are small islands in the center of the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi to position yourself to the north side of the little island between the island and the shore. Select a heading of 268 and take off.
  2. As you come over the western shore of the lake, ease 10 degrees to port to cross over Checats Cove.
  3. As you pass over Checats Cove, about 2 miles, turn toward Winstanley Island, a heading of 353. Winstanley Island is 3.5 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  4. Over Winstanley Island, set a heading of 349 for Smeaton Island, 5 miles ahead. [3 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set a course for Alava Point at a heading of 199, 12.4 miles ahead. [7.5 minutes]
  6. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  7. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Ella Narrows Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 24 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 17 miles at 030
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 17 miles at 210

VFR Directions: To the Cabins

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.4 minutes]
  3. At the south end (far end) of Bold Island, set a heading for 068 for Cone Point, 3.7 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  4. Fly over Cone Island over Cone Point and change heading to 360 heading for Evo Point, distance 5 miles [3 minutes]
  5. At Evo Point, set heading of 008 for Gokachin Lakes, approaching these, your altitude must be 1700 feet minimum. [4 minutes]
  6. At Gokachin Lakes, slightly correct heading for 358. Ella Lake is 3 miles ahead. Begin dropping altitude and head for the center of the lake [2 minutes]
  7. Continue straight straight ahead to the end of the lake, the cabin is there.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. After leaving either cabin, head for the center of the lake and begin climbing to 1700 feet. Once at the center of the lake, select a heading of 178, continue climb to 1700.
  2. Fly 3 miles to Gokachin Lakes and reset heading for 183 direct to Cone Point (11.5 miles). [7 minutes]
  3. At Cone Point, set a heading of 252 for Bold Island, 3.7 miles [1.5 minutes]
  4. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 274 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes]... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Hugh Smith Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 55 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 32 miles at 086
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 32 miles at 267

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 115 for the State Islands 8 miles ahead [4.5 minutes]
  5. Over the State Islands, set a heading of 097 for Kah Shakes Point 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  6. At Kah Shakes point, set a heading of 029 heading for Orca Point 6.2 miles ahead. You are flying up the Boca de Quadra channel [3.5 minutes]
  7. Orca Point comes on on your right, and this is where you will make a right turn to 114 degrees for the tiny Kite Island in the center of the channel, 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  8. Over Kite Island, set a heading of 050 heading for Sockeye Creek that you can see emptying from Hugh Smith Lake, just beyond. Reduce altitude to 1200 feet to prepare for landing about 5 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  9. As you come over the shore of Hugh Smith Lake a correction to your right by 5 degrees and fly down the lake. The Hugh Smith Cabin is toward the end of the lake on the right.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi out in front of the cabin and set your heading for about 240 to fly down the lake and take off. Fly the lake to go over Sockeye Creek.
  2. As you come over Sockeye Creek, you should set a heading for Kite Island, 3 miles ahead at a heading of 230. [1.5 minutes]
  3. At Kite Island, turn to 295 heading for Orca Point about 3 miles ahead on the left. At Orca Point you will turn left.[2 minutes]
  4. Round Orca Point and come to a heading of 210 which will take you to Kah Shakes Point about 6 miles ahead [3.5 minutes]
  5. At Shakes Point, you can set a heading of 279 for the small State Islands.
  6. At the State Islands, set a heading of 295 to Alava Point about 8 miles ahead [4.5 minutes]
  7. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  8. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Humpback Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 55 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 37 miles at 090
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 37 miles at 270

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 115 for the State Islands 8 miles ahead [4.5 minutes]
  5. Over the State Islands, set a heading of 097 for Kah Shakes Point 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  6. At Kah Shakes point, set a heading of 029 heading for Orca Point 6.2 miles ahead. You are flying up the Boca de Quadra channel [3.5 minutes]
  7. Orca Point comes on on your right, and this is where you will make a right turn to 114 degrees for the tiny Kite Island in the center of the channel, 3 miles ahead. [1.5 minutes]
  8. Over Kite Island, set a heading of 050 to round Grover Point, the point about 2 miles ahead on your right. You will see Hugh Smith Lake and Sockeye Creek coming up but you will turn to starboard before reaching them into Mink Bay.
  9. Go to the right around Grover Point to a heading of 134 ... this is Mink Bay.
  10. Toward the end of Mink Bay, you will see Humpback Creek emptying into the bay. Turn left at Humpback Creek to a heading of 064 for about a mile until you reach the edge of Humpback Lake. Turn to starboard (right) into the lake and follow it around the "hump". You should begin to reduce altitude as you will land in 3 miles.
  11. The cabin will come up on the left just before the part of the lakes where the sides constrict ... about 3 miles.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi out in front of the cabin and set your heading for about 220 taking off and flying down the lake. Go around the humpback (veering left then around to the right) watching for the end of the lake.
  2. When the end of the lake appears, you will see the Humpback Creek area ... set a heading of 245 to fly back to Mink Bay.
  3. Over Mink Bay, set a heading of 318 to fly up the bay to Grover Point. You will be going to port (left) around Grover Point.
  4. At Grover point, set a heading for Kite Island, 3 miles ahead at a heading of 230. [1.5 minutes].
  5. At Kite Island, turn to 295 heading for Orca Point about 3 miles ahead on the left. At Orca Point you will turn left. [1.5 minutes]
  6. Round Orca Point and come to a heading of 210 which will take you to Kah Shakes Point about 6 miles ahead [3.6 minutes]
  7. At Shakes Point, you can set a heading of 279 for the small State Islands.
  8. At the State Islands, set a heading of 295 to Alava Point about 8 miles ahead [4.8 minutes]
  9. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  10. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Kegan Cove Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 1000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1000 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 55 miles

Direct from Gravina Point to Cabin: 24 miles at 204
Direct from Cabin to Gravina Point: 24 miles at 024

VFR Directions: To the Kegan Cove Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over the center Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the midpoint of Pennock Island, set a heading of 141 to Gravina Point. This is the point of land at the southern most tip of Gravina Island (the large island on your right), about 2.9 miles distant. Prepare for a course correction to starboard.
  3. At Gravina Point, set a heading of 177 for 11 miles to the Bronaugh Islands. You will turn into Nichols Passage. The small settlement of China Town is across the passage to port at the base of Red Mountain. As you make this turn, Blank Inlet will be on your starboard side.
  4. As you are flying down the southern coast of Gravina Island, you will fly past Bostwick Inlet, and a small cove called Seal Cove. You will see the Dall Head come up at about 2 o'clock. The Bronaugh Islands are about 2 miles off the southern coast and should be ahead of you.
  5. At the Bronaugh Islands, set a course of 217 for the center of Moria Sound on the Prince of Wales island. You will fly over a group of islands at the mouth of the sound, Whiterock Island will be first, then you will fly over Menefee Islands. Rip Point will be to port.
  6. As you near the entrance of the South Arm (angling off to your left) you will make a turn to starboard to a heading of 278. Kegan Lake is ahead of you. The smaller lake before Kegan Lake is actually Kegan Cove. The cabin is on the near (south) shore of Kegan Cove. If you are a good pilot, it is possible to land safely on the cove, otherwise fly on to Kegan Lake and taxi back to the cabin.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Taxi to the north end of Kegan Lake to give yourself sufficient room for a safe takeoff. You should set a heading of about 130. Just after you take off, fly over the cabin making a nice turn to the left out over the water of Moria Sound. Once in Moria Sound, set a heading for the mouth of the sound toward Whiterock Island (heading of 040). You will fly over the Menefee Islands to Whiterock Island just beyond.
  2. At Whiterock Island, set a course of 040 (you already may be on this heading depending on how you flew to Whiterock Island). Maintain this heading for 15.9 miles to the Bronaugh Islands. The Dall Head is the mountain on the south side of Gravina Island, this is a good visual waypoint to seek. However, as you get closer, you will see the Bronaugh Islands, about 10 degrees to starboard. Head for those islands.
  3. Over the Bronaugh Islands, set a course for Gravina Point at a heading of 357 for 10.5 miles. As you make this turn to port, the Dall Head is to your left. A small cove coming up on the left is Seal Cove with a larger inlet just beyond it which is Bostwick Inlet. The next, and deeper inlet is Blank Inlet. As You near Gravina Point, you should be contacting Ketchikan ATC for approach instructions.
  4. Over Gravina point, you can set a heading of 332 that will take you over the center of Pennock Island.

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Manzanita Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling:2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 33 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 23 miles at 013
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 23 miles at 193

VFR Directions: To the cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 017 for Smeaton Island, 9.6 miles ahead. You will fly over Rudyerd Island during this leg. At this point, you are in the Behm Canal, a body of water that circles the Ketchikan Area. [6 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set your heading at 334 for Cactus Point. This point juts out from the port side of the channel helping to form Sargents Bay. [7.5 minutes]
  6. At the leading edge of Cactus Point turn left to a heading of 267. You will see Manzanita Lake 5.6 miles ahead. [3 minutes] This lake has to branches, you are lined up on the branch where the cabin is located. Fly down this branch and land toward the end of the lake. The cabin is on your left at the end of the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Leave the lake on a heading of 087 heading for Cactus Point, about 5 miles ahead. [3 minutes]
  2. Over Cactus Point, turn to a heading of 154 for 13 miles. This takes you to Smeaton Island. [7.8 minutes]
  3. At Smeaton Island, set a course for Alava Point at a heading of 199, 12.4 miles ahead. [7.5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  5. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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McDonald Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling:2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1500 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 50 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 23 miles at 013
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 23 miles at 193

VFR Directions: To the cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT, position going northwest up the Tongass Narrows, heading 301 for 2.9 miles to Higgins Point, the point of land on the right at the mouth of the Tongass Narrows.
  2. At Higgins Point, look about 1 o'clock and you'll see a large island. This is Betton Island. Set a heading of 347 to cross over the center of Betton Island. The distance is about 3.6 miles. As you approach Betton Island, Clover Passage will be on your right. You are flying up the Behm Canal (this circles Revillagigedo Island, the island Ketchikan is on).
  3. At Betton Island, set a heading of 337 for 18.2 miles heading for Snail Point. Pick a point on the horizon and fly to it as the wind can change your intended heading greatly on this leg. The island off to your right is Grant Island with Loring Bay behind it. The point coming up ahead on the right 8 miles away is Indian Point. To your left you will see Helm Bay and Helm Point. 15 miles ahead is what looks like a bay, this is Yes Bay. The point to the left of that bay is Snail Point.
  4. At Snail point, set a heading of 323 for 8 miles to the cabin on McDonald lake. The lake is tucked behind a low ridge and you will see it as you draw nearer to the coast. As you cross the coast, you still have about 5 miles till you reach the lake. You will cross over the south part of the lake, then over some land. Look to the base of the mountain ahead. The cabin is located on a tiny island on the right side of the lake near the base of the mountain.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Leave the lake on a heading of 143 heading for Snail Point. You will fly over Spacious Bay with Yes Bay to port.
  2. At Snail Point, set a heading of 157, heading for Betton Island, 18.7 miles distant.
  3. Over Betton Island, set a heading for Higgins Point, heading of 168 for 3 miles.
  4. At Higgins point, turn into the Tongass Narrows and head toward PAKT. (Heading 121)

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Rainbow Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

NOTE: This cabin has a difficult approach. You cannot trust FSNavigator4 because of the final turn. So no FSNavigator4 planning files have been included for this cabin. This is pure VFR, and a difficult approach. You must fly between some ridges and after clearing the last one at 1200 feet, drop quickly to the surface of the lake for a landing. As you make the final turn, you should set up for landing configuration and slow speed.

Minimum ceiling:2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1200 feet
Minimum visibility: 3 mile
Approximate distance: 15 miles
FSNavigator files NOT INCLUDED with this cabin.

Direct from Vallemar Point to Cabin: 15 miles at 296
Direct from Cabin to Vallemar Point: 117 miles at 193

VFR Directions: To the cabin

  1. Center over the Tongass Narrows at a heading of about 292. Head for Vallemar Point, the final land point on Gravina Island to port.
  2. From Vallemar Point, set a heading for 285 which will take you near the coast of the Cleveland Peninsula. You should visually head for Caamano Point, the most southern tip of the peninsula, about 8 miles. Follow the western coastline of the peninsula for about 10 miles watching VERY closely for a tiny island named Ship Island Light.
  3. At Ship Island Light, you will be making a hard turn to starboard coming to a heading of 032, flying around the small mountain to your right. Rainbow Lake is 3.3 miles ahead and not visible until you are almost upon it. You must maintain at least 1200 feet to clear the last ridge before you drop quickly to the lake. Be in landing configuration just after your turn at Ship Island Light.
  4. The Cabin is located on the far side of the lake (eastern shore).

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Start out almost in front of the Rainbow Lake Cabin, and set a heading of 211.
  2. Take off at full throttle to clear the ridge ahead of you.
  3. Once you get to the channel, you will see the Ship Island Light.
  4. At the Ship Island light, set a heading of about 105 degrees and follow the western coast south toward Caamano Point.
  5. At Caamano Point, set a heading of 110 degrees to fly to Vallemar Point, the northern point of Gravina Island. You should be talking to Ketchikan ATC by this point for approach instructions.

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Red Alders Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 24 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 17 miles at 030
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 17 miles at 210

VFR Directions: To the Cabins

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the south end (far end) of Bold Island, set a heading for 068 for Cone Point, 3.7 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  4. Fly over Cone Island over Cone Point and change heading to 360 heading for Evo Point, distance 5 miles [3 minutes]
  5. At Evo Point, set heading of 008 for Gokachin Lakes 6.6 miles, approaching these, your altitude must be 1700 feet minimum. [4 minutes]
  6. At Gokachin Lakes, slightly correct heading for 358. Ella Lake is 3 miles ahead. Begin dropping altitude and head for the center of the lake [2 minutes]
  7. At the center of the lake, take the left branch (heading 310) and this cabin is at the end of this branch of the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. After leaving either cabin, head for the center of the lake and begin climbing to 1700 feet. Once at the center of the lake, select a heading of 178, continue climb to 1700.
  2. Fly 3 miles to Gokachin Lakes and reset heading for 183 direct to Cone Point (11.5 miles). [7 minutes]
  3. At Cone Point, set a heading of 252 for Bold Island, 3.7 miles [2 minutes]
  4. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 274 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes]... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Wilson Narrows Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 44 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 37 miles at 41
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 37 miles at 221

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the far end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, this is the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set a heading for Nelson Point 030 which is 11.3 miles ahead up the Behm Canal. [7 minutes]
  5. At Nelson Point, we set a heading of 064. You are entering Smeaton Bay.
  6. At a distance of 7 miles [about 4 minutes] , you will see the Wilson Arm of Smeaton Bay veering off to port (left). (The Bakewell Arm is straight ahead). Set a heading of 010 for about 6 miles. [3.5 minutes]
  7. The Wilson Arm ends where the Wilson River flows into it. At the Wilson River, set a heading of 330 degrees and follow the river to Wilson Lake. [3 minutes]
  8. The Wilson Narrows Cabin is located near where the Wilson River leaves Wilson lake. So as you approach the lake, prepare to land. The cabin will be on your starboard side as you come over the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Take off from Wilson Lake and fly a heading of 185 (toward the south end of the lake) about 3 miles.
  2. At the south end of the lake, begin following the Wilson River down to the Thorne Arm of Smeaton Bay, approximately 5 miles. (Approximate heading 150). {3 minutes]
  3. Turn right into the Wilson Arm and fly an approximate heading of 187, making a correction about 3 miles later to 240 heading toward the Behm Canal.
  4. Fly to Nelson Point, which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel) and here you enter the Behm Canal.
  5. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  6. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  7. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island (8.7 miles) [... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination. [5.5 minutes]

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Wilson View Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 45 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 37 miles at 41
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 37 miles at 221

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the far end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, this is the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set a heading for Nelson Point 030 which is 11.3 miles ahead up the Behm Canal. [7 minutes]
  5. At Nelson Point, we set a heading of 064. You are entering Smeaton Bay.
  6. At a distance of 7 miles [about 4 minutes] , you will see the Wilson Arm of Smeaton Bay veering off to port (left). (The Bakewell Arm is straight ahead). Set a heading of 010 for about 6 miles. [3.5 minutes]
  7. The Wilson Arm ends where the Wilson River flows into it. At the Wilson River, set a heading of 330 degrees and follow the river to Wilson Lake. [ 3 minutes]
  8. The Wilson View Cabin is located at the far end (north end) of Wilson Lake. Fly up the lake near the end and you will find the cabin on your right.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Take off from Wilson Lake and fly a heading of 185 (toward the south end of the lake) about 3 miles.
  2. At the south end of the lake, begin following the Wilson River down to the Thorne Arm of Smeaton Bay, approximately 5 miles. (Approximate heading 150). [3 minutes]
  3. Turn right into the Wilson Arm and fly an approximate heading of 187, making a correction about 3 miles later to 240 heading toward the Behm Canal.
  4. Fly to Nelson Point, which is the point to the left of Smeaton Bay (this channel) and here you enter the Behm Canal.
  5. At Nelson Point, set a heading of 210 for Alava Point 11.3 miles ahead. [7 minutes]
  6. At Alava Point, set a heading of 267 for Bold Island, 8.1 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  7. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island (8.7 miles) ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination. [5.5 minutes]

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Winstanley Island Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling: 2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 45 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 25 miles at 045
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 25 miles at 226

VFR Directions: To the Island Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [3.6 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 017 for Smeaton Island, 9.6 miles ahead. You will fly over Rudyerd Island on this leg. At this point, you are in the Behm Canal, a body of water that circles the Ketchikan Area. [6 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set your heading at 002 for Candle Island. This is the small island at the southern tip of Winstanley Island [4 minutes]
  6. Continue north over Winstanley Island. Toward the northern tip, there is a cove on the eastern side. The Cabin is located on that cove. [5 minutes]

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Select a heading for Candle Island (approximately 150 degrees)
  2. At Candle Island, set a heading of 182 that takes you over Smeaton Island, 3.7 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  3. At Smeaton Island, set a course for Alava Point at a heading of 199, 12.4 miles ahead. [7.5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  5. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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Winstanley Lake Cabin CLICK to return to INDEX

Minimum ceiling:2000 feet
Minimum flying altitude: 1700 feet
Minimum visibility: 1 mile
Approximate distance: 33 miles

Direct from Mountain Point to Cabin: 25 miles at 045
Direct from Cabin to Mountain Point: 25 miles at 226

VFR Directions: To the Lake Cabin

  1. After leaving PAKT or 5KE, position over Pennock Island in the Tongass Narrows at a heading of 110
  2. At the south end of Pennock Island, head toward Bold Island, Set your heading at 094. Bold Island is 9 miles ahead. [5.5 minutes]
  3. At the south end of Bold Island, set a heading for 088 for Alava Point, the point of land 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point set your heading at 017 for Smeaton Island, 9.6 miles ahead. You will fly over Rudyerd Island during this leg. At this point, you are in the Behm Canal, a body of water that circles the Ketchikan Area. [5.5 minutes]
  5. At Smeaton Island, set your heading at 002 for Candle Island. This is the small island at the southern tip of Winstanley Island [3 minutes]
  6. At Candle Island, turn right to a heading of 028 ... this is the heading for Winstanley Lake. There are two lakes on this bearing, the one you want is the second one 3.1 miles ahead. [2 minutes] Be careful on this approach at low altitudes, there are 2600 foot features on both sides of your course.
  7. As you are over the lake, you may swing to starboard and fly toward the cabin which is located on the east side of the lake.

VFR Directions: Returning to Ketchikan

  1. Leave the lake on a heading of 199 heading for Candle Island, about 2.7 miles ahead. [1 minutes]
  2. At Candle Island, set a heading of 182 that takes you over Smeaton Island, 3.7 miles ahead. [2 minutes]
  3. At Smeaton Island, set a course for Alava Point at a heading of 199, 12.4 miles ahead. [7.5 minutes]
  4. At Alava Point, set a heading of 269 for Bold Island 8.3 miles ahead. [5 minutes]
  5. Over Bold Island, set a heading of 275 for Pennock Island [5.5 minutes] ... you are now in the Tongass Narrows and ATC should be directing your destination.

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