Balls Lake is near the center of Prince of Wales Island and is a nice place to explore freshwater lakes and see old-growth forest. The site has easy access, a nice stream, and a good mix of wetlands and open and forested habitats. Watch for eiders and other waterfowl in the lake and listen to songbirds in the forest. Bald Eagles are seen year-round at this site. Spend the night at the Eagle's Nest campground for the chance to look for wildlife in the late evening and early morning, when activity is highest.
The site has trails, a picnic area, a campground, and outhouses managed by the Tongass National Forest. A boardwalk and natural tread trail encircles Balls Lake. The natural tread trail portion does have wet sections and rubber boots are the recommended footwear. Otherwise, visitors can take an easier section by staying on the elevated boardwalk trail and connecting to Control Creek. There is a Forest Service public use cabin available about 2 miles from this site at Control Lake that is available by reservation.
Directions:
From Klawock, travel 16.1 miles on State Highway 929/Boundary Rd. Turn right (heading east) on Thorne Bay Road and travel approximately 2 miles east of Control Lake Junction.
Trail Information:
- A flat 2.25-mile trail, with some boardwalk planks and stairs, loops around the lake through the National Forest. There is also a half-mile-long accessible boardwalk interpretative trail at Balls Lake.
Birding Resources:
- eBird Hotspot: Prince of Wales Is.—Eagle's Nest Campground
Bird Species Checklist:
Other Resources:
- Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Balls Lake
- US Forest Service: Balls Lake
- US Forest Service: Balls Lake Picnic Area
- US Forest Service: Eagles Nest Campground
- Recreation.gov: Information on Eagles Nest Campground
- US Forest Service: Control Lake Cabin
- US Forest Service: Control Lake Cabin Online Reservation
Amenities
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Water | No |
| Platform | Yes |
| Fee | No |
| Parking | Yes |
| Trails | Yes |
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