FEATURED AIRSTRIP: HECKMAN LAKE, AK

There are two fly-in public use cabins on Heckman Lake in the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District of Alaska. Both are approximately 15 miles from Ketchikan, and open year-round to welcome visitors for what RAF Alaska Liaison Jeff DeFreest calls “a very unique remote recreational experience. Relaxing on the deck gives you a view of the lake, surrounded by the Sitka Spruce and western hemlock forest.” Either site can be accessed by float plane or by boating into Naha Bay. Each cabin has a table, benches, a wood stove, and an outhouse. Guests should bring their own firewood, as it is not guaranteed. Drinking water is not available; guests should treat the creek or lake water, or bring their own.

Southeast Heckman Fly-In Cabin is situated on the southeast shore of Heckman Lake and is only accessible by floatplane. The 16x22-ft pan-abode style log cabin accommodates eight people and is wheelchair accessible. In 2024, the RAF and Seaplane Pilots Association provided grants to restore the cabin. Volunteers, assisted by Misty Fjords Air, collaborated with the US Forest Service to complete work on the cabin, dock, outhouse, and trails.

The other cabin is a 12x14-ft pan-abode style that can accommodate up to six people. It can be accessed by float plane or by boating into Naha Bay and hiking six miles on the Naha River National Recreation Trail. Visitors may use the 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars or bring their own short shaft motor. 

The Naha River is accessible from the cabins and provides opportunities to fish for trout. In season, there are steelhead and salmon runs. The Naha River National Recreation Trail winds downstream six miles through a rainforest where you may spot Roosevelt Lagoon, Jordan Lake, and a waterfall on your way to Naha Bay.

Visitors would be wise to bring extra provisions, as occasionally, poor weather can cause extended stays. 

The RAF Airfield Guide includes information on these cabins. Recreation.gov allows visitors to check availability and find other USFS information on the Southeast Heckman Lake fly-in cabin and Heckman Lake cabin.

Submitted April 30, 2026