Power Creek Cabin
04 reviewsPO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
Power Creek Cabin
$60.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Cabin nonelectric fee is $60 per night for all reservations. Additional charges such as service fees may apply based on the booking method.
About this campground
Deep in Alaska's untamed Chugach National Forest, Power Creek Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic wilderness escape. This remote, hike-in sanctuary sits cradled between ancient spruce and hemlock giants, where glacier-fed streams whisper through the forest floor and towering peaks scrape the sky. Far from any road, this rustic retreat rewards those willing to journey on foot with an immersive backcountry experience few places can match.
Power Creek Cabin is a rustic, hike-in facility with accommodations suitable for groups or individuals, with a primary focus on self-sufficiency.
Historical SignificanceJust beyond the wilderness lies Cordova, a storied fishing town where generations have harvested the legendary Copper River Wild Salmon. This community's soul runs as deep as the surrounding waters, with a heritage woven from commercial fishing boats, Native Alaskan traditions, and the rhythms of salmon runs that have sustained both culture and economy for centuries.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this corner of Alaska into a land of endless light, where 18-hour days invite exploration and the forest comes alive with birdsong and rustling wildlife. Gentle breezes carry the scent of wildflowers, though rain is a frequent companion in this temperate rainforest. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline blanket of snow and ice, creating a stunning but formidable wilderness that challenges even seasoned adventurers with its bitter cold and shortened days.
ElevationPerched at 500 feet above sea level, the cabin occupies a sweet spot in the mountainous landscape—high enough to offer sweeping views of the surrounding peaks, yet accessible enough for hikers to reach without technical climbing skills. This moderate elevation provides a perfect vantage point for watching weather systems roll through the valleys below.
Natural Features and SceneryStep outside the cabin door into a primeval world where towering spruce and hemlock create cathedral-like groves, their branches filtering golden light onto carpets of moss and ferns. Wildflowers paint the forest floor in summer splashes of color, while crystal-clear streams tumble down from hidden glaciers above. This is prime wildlife territory—mountain goats navigate impossible cliff faces, black and grizzly bears forage through berry patches, and the forest echoes with the calls of countless birds.
Geological RegionThe Chugach National Forest unfolds as a dramatic tapestry of coastal rainforest, where ancient glaciers have carved deep valleys between jagged peaks. This dynamic ecosystem thrives in the meeting place of ocean and mountain, creating a lush sanctuary where glacier-fed streams nourish dense forests and support an incredible diversity of life. From nimble mountain goats to massive moose, from soaring waterfowl to prowling bears, the region pulses with wild energy, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of North America's last great wilderness frontiers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccess to the cabin requires hiking 4.2 miles on Power Creek Trail. There are no details about specialized accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 12x20 feet, and additional space is available on the covered deck.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded in a spruce-hemlock forest above Power Creek Valley, surrounded by dense forests and steep mountains, providing significant privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to bring knee-high waterproof boots for stream crossings and be prepared for frequent rainfall.
Best CampsitesPower Creek Cabin is the sole site available, appreciated for its scenic location and rustic charm.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
11:00 AM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limits apply: 14 consecutive nights per visit and up to 7 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 guests can stay in this cabin.
Groups
The cabin sleeps up to eight guests and is available for group reservations, but it is not a designated group site for larger parties.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Open and Closed SeasonOpen all year. Peak reservable season starts from June 20, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online or via their mobile application.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations less than 14 days before arrival incur a $10 fee and forfeit the first night's use fee. Late cancellations and no-shows may also result in additional penalties.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Power Creek Cabin offers activities including hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and hunting. Trails in the surrounding area provide scenic views of Orca Inlet, Eyak Lake, and the Delta. Wildlife sightings include bears, mountain goats, and waterfowl. The area has salmon during summer and fall, attracting bears.
Hiking
The Power Creek Trail is a 4.2-mile hike leading to the cabin, traversing spruce-hemlock forests and offering scenic views. The Crater Lake Trail can be done separately or as part of a 12.5-mile loop. User reviews highlight the trail's difficulty, mentioning steep ridges and occasional flooding due to beaver activity.Fishing
There are limited fishing opportunities near the cabin, but some small Dolly Varden can be found in nearby streams.Biking
Mountain biking trails follow the northern shore of Eyak Lake and parallel Power Creek, passing through a rainforest setting with waterfalls. The terrain is relatively flat, making it suitable for most skill levels.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include brown bears, black bears, moose, mountain goats, and waterfowl. Binocular-assisted viewing is recommended.Winter Activities
Hunting opportunities are available during winter seasons, including bear and deer seasons.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No wood stove is provided, and visitors must bring their own fuel for the oil stove.
Hazards
General hazardsSeasonal hazards include bear activity, flooding from beaver-dammed streams, and extreme weather conditions.
Active alertsIn June 2023, streams were flooded due to beaver activity, requiring caution while hiking.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 88%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Cordova Ranger District Office (1-907-424-7661) for ranger assistance and further safety information. Closest hospital and police station are located in Cordova.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all garbage and food. Trash should not be deposited in the rain catchment barrel.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is near glacier-fed Power Creek, with small Dolly Varden fish accessible in nearby streams.
Common complaintsSeveral reviews mention trail flooding, a challenging hike, and lack of maintenance for cabin facilities.
HostContact the Cordova Ranger District at 907-424-7661 for assistance.
Campground Map
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
Driving directionsAccess to the cabin is by hiking only. Visitors must hike 4.2 miles on the Power Creek Trail to reach the facility. The trailhead is located at the end of Power Creek Road.
Access to Power Creek Cabin is exclusively by hiking, requiring travel arrangements and hiking gear. The trail conditions vary seasonally, and in June 2023, visitors needed to ford knee-deep streams due to beaver activity. The trailhead is located approximately 6.9 miles north of Cordova, Alaska.Nearby places
Cordova (6.9 miles
approximately 20 minutes drive to trailhead).
Nearby supplies
Cordova offers the nearest supplies, including grocery stores, camping gear shops, and fuel options. Visitors should purchase stove oil or kerosene in town before beginning their hike.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Power Creek Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews praise the natural beauty of the surroundings, the cozy cabin, and the challenging hike to access it. Reports highlight the prevalence of bears along the trail and the importance of carrying necessary supplies.
Review Summaries
Based on 4 reviews
What Campers Love
- "The forest and mountain surroundings of this cabin [are] one of the most beautiful settings of all of the Forest Service cabins." - Martin D.
- "Sweet hike-in thru the valley, cozy cabin and...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
- Trail conditions can be challenging, particularly when flooded due to beaver activity.
- "The cabin needs some TLC" - Julie R.
- The cabin does not provide basic amenities like water, bedding, or...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
- Carry fuel oil or kerosene for the stove.
- Prepare for flooded trails and knee-deep water crossings.
- Pack all essential supplies, as the cabin is entirely self-sufficient.
Based on 4 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer and fall bring salmon to the stream, attracting bears, which can enhance wildlife viewing but also pose safety challenges. Reviews note that the trail can be flooded in wet weather.
Based on 4 reviewsCamper Quotes
- "The 2000-foot cliffs along both sides of the canyon display several dozen musical waterfalls." - Martin D.
- "Lots of bear sign. More than 20 piles of bear poop on the 4 miles trail." - Sam M.
-...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
No specific site numbers or areas are mentioned beyond general descriptions.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not explicitly mentioned in any reviews.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025