San Juan Bay Cabin
00 reviewPO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
San Juan Bay 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
The nightly rate for reserving the cabin is $60. Additional fees may apply for cancellations and modifications.
About this campground
Escape to the edge of the world at San Juan Bay Cabin, where the untamed wilderness of Montague Island beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan experience. Nestled within the pristine Chugach National Forest, this rustic hideaway serves as your gateway to world-class fishing, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and landscapes that tell the dramatic story of Alaska's raw power. Whether you're casting lines into crystal-clear waters, tracking Sitka black-tail deer through ancient forests, or simply breathing in the pure wilderness air, this remote cabin promises the kind of solitude and adventure that transforms ordinary vacations into lifelong memories.
San Juan Bay Cabin offers a primitive camping experience through its single rustic cabin.
Historical SignificanceSan Juan Bay's landscape bears witness to one of nature's most dramatic demonstrations of power. During the catastrophic 1964 earthquake, Montague Island was thrust an astonishing 35 feet skyward, forever altering its topography and creating the unique terrain visitors explore today. This geological upheaval transformed former seafloors into meadows and reshaped the island's entire ecosystem. More recently, between 1994 and 1998, the Chugach Alaska Corporation carefully harvested timber from select areas, creating a patchwork of old-growth forest and regenerating woodland that adds to the island's diverse habitats and visual appeal.
Weather and SeasonsPerched at the edge of the Gulf of Alaska, San Juan Bay experiences the full drama of coastal weather patterns. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the forests and freezing precipitation creating a photographer's paradise. During Week 46, visitors can expect crisp, clear skies approximately one-third of the time, accompanied by invigorating moderate winds that carry the scent of salt and spruce. Summer unveils a gentler side of the island, with mild temperatures perfect for hiking moss-covered trails, casting fishing lines from dawn to dusk, and watching the endless parade of wildlife that calls this remote corner of Alaska home.
ElevationThe cabin's elevation places visitors in the sweet spot between sea and sky, where coastal influences meet terrestrial ecosystems to create a uniquely diverse environment perfect for exploration and discovery.
Natural Features and SceneryStep outside your cabin door into a landscape that seems painted by nature's most inspired artist. The cabin sits at the edge of a sun-drenched grassy clearing, where wildflowers dance in the sea breeze and the ancient Sitka spruce forest stands like a cathedral of green. Low, rolling hills clothed in emerald moss invite exploration, while mysterious muskeg openings create natural windows into the island's complex ecology. The earthquake-lifted meadows, once ocean floor, now bloom with life and offer spectacular vantage points for wildlife viewing. Here, massive flocks of migratory waterfowl paint the skies during their seasonal journeys, elegant Sitka black-tail deer emerge from forest shadows at dawn and dusk, and the occasional brown bear reminds visitors that this is truly wild Alaska.
Geological RegionSan Juan Bay Cabin occupies one of Alaska's most geologically fascinating locations on Montague Island, standing sentinel at the Gulf of Alaska's entrance to Prince William Sound. This remarkable setting showcases nature's power through its earthquake-sculpted terrain, where 35-foot uplift scars have healed into verdant meadows teeming with life. Dense forests of towering Sitka spruce create intimate groves perfect for quiet contemplation, while open muskeg areas provide diverse ecosystems supporting an incredible array of plant and animal life. The interplay between grassy clearings and ancient forest creates a mosaic of habitats that makes every hike an adventure and every view a postcard-worthy moment.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is equipped with an accessible ramp.
Sites SizeThe cabin dimensions are 14x16 ft, suitable for up to six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located near a dense spruce forest, offering seclusion and privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesVisitors are advised to plan their stay around tide tables for safe access. Mid-July to mid-August is ideal for fishing at nearby San Juan Creek.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times are not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out times are not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum 14 consecutive nights allowed per visit. Maximum 7 nights total per year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 6 guests can stay at the cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin located in a grassy clearing with accessible ramp.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; peak season is January 1 to December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for the cabin; walk-up availability is not possible.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance to avoid penalties. Late cancellations forfeit the first night's recreation use fee and incur additional fees.
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
San Juan Bay Cabin offers several recreational opportunities including fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, hiking, and beachcombing. "The cabin is about a mile south of San Juan Creek, so it's a bit of a hike to get to the fishing, but the creek has good runs of coho and pink salmon and Dolly Varden from mid-July through mid-August." For hunters, bear hunting is available in spring and fall, while deer hunting season lasts from late summer to late fall. Beachcombing enthusiasts can explore a sandy landing beach 0.5 miles from the cabin where treasures like glass Japanese fishing floats may be found.
Hiking
Visitors can hike to San Juan Creek, located about 1 mile south of the cabin.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include coho and pink salmon, as well as Dolly Varden in San Juan Creek from mid-July to mid-August.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings may include migratory waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer, and brown bears.Beach activities
Beachcombing is popular on the sandy landing beach located 0.5 miles from the cabin.Winter Activities
While winter-specific activities are not mentioned, hunting opportunities extend into late fall.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Visitors must bring their own cut firewood and use the provided wood stove or oil stove; campfires are not mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with brown bears and challenging weather conditions. Visitors should prepare for water safety and extreme isolation.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 82%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.2 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
Contact Cordova Ranger District for assistance at 907-424-7661; nearest town is Cordova, which has medical and emergency services.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all garbage and food.
Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is approximately one mile south of San Juan Creek, known for salmon runs. A sandy landing beach is located 1/2 mile away.
Campground Map
PO BOX 280, CORDOVA, AK 99574, USA
Driving directionsThe cabin is located 90 miles southwest of Cordova in San Juan Bay on the southwest end of Montague Island. Access is exclusively by wheel plane at low tide (approximately a 60-minute flight from Cordova or 40-minute flight from Seward). Visitors must consult local tide tables for accurate timing.
Access is limited to wheel plane at low tide, requiring careful planning around tide schedules. There are no road connections, and the area is extremely remote.Nearby places
Cordova (90 miles, approx. 60-minute flight), Seward (approx. 40-minute flight)
Nearby supplies
Supplies must be brought in by visitors
nearest town for provisions is Cordova, located 90 miles away.
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Last updated August 10, 2025