Alsek River Cabin
01 reviewP.O. BOX 327, YAKUTAT, AK 99689
Alsek River Cabin
$35.00 - $45.00 / 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 rates vary by season: $35 during non-peak season (Jan 1-Aug 31) and $45 during peak season (Sep 1-Oct 30). Rates during first-come, first-served season (Nov 1-Dec 31) are also $45. Additional fees apply for reservation changes ($10) and late cancellations.
About this campground
Nestled in the untamed wilderness of the Yukutat Forelands, the Alsek River Cabin offers adventurers a genuine Alaskan frontier experience. This rustic 14x16-foot hunter's retreat beckons those seeking solitude and authentic wilderness living. Inside, you'll find the essentials for a memorable stay: sturdy wooden bunks accommodating four weary travelers, a communal table and benches perfect for sharing stories, and an oil heater to ward off the northern chill. A separate meat shed stands ready for successful hunters, while an outhouse provides basic facilities. This is off-grid living at its finest—remember to pack your drinking water, heating oil, and supplies for a truly self-sufficient adventure.
The Alsek River Cabin offers a unique style of camping centered around a hunter-style cabin. It is not suitable for tent camping, RV camping, or glamping.
Weather and SeasonsThe Yukutat wilderness reveals its moody personality through dramatic weather patterns that shape each visitor's experience. Expect nature's full symphony here, with frequent rainfall creating a lush, verdant landscape that thrives under cloudy skies. Summer temperatures hover comfortably between 54°F and 62°F, while endless daylight stretches nearly 16 hours, giving you ample time to explore. As autumn arrives, the rains intensify, transforming the landscape into a misty wonderland. Winter transforms this remote outpost into a frozen sanctuary, challenging all but the hardiest souls to venture forth.
ElevationElevation details are not specified.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape that seems frozen in primordial time, where flat expanses of spongy muskeg stretch beneath your feet, punctuated by dense thickets of alder, cottonwood, and willow that create natural labyrinths. The majestic Brabazon Mountain Range dominates the horizon, its snow-crowned peaks standing sentinel over this wild domain. This pristine ecosystem pulses with life—mighty brown bears and their smaller black cousins roam freely, while stately moose browse the wetlands. Listen for the haunting calls of sandhill cranes echoing across the marshes, and in season, discover hidden treasures of wild strawberries sweetened by the midnight sun.
Geological RegionThe cabin sits within the remarkable Yukutat Forelands, a geological wonderland where ancient forces have sculpted a unique tapestry of wetlands and forest. This flat, waterlogged terrain tells the story of glacial retreat and rebirth, where spongy muskeg has developed over millennia, creating a distinctive ecosystem. Dense stands of alder, cottonwood, and willow have colonized the landscape, forming impenetrable green walls that shelter wildlife and create intimate clearings. To the east, the dramatic Brabazon Mountain Range rises like a frozen wave, its glaciated peaks a stunning backdrop to this lowland wilderness sanctuary.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned; the rugged terrain may pose challenges for individuals with disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin is 14x16 feet, and outdoor facilities include a picnic table and a 12x12 meat shed.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is located in a remote area surrounded by open muskeg and dense patches of alder, cottonwood, and willow, offering a high degree of privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring hip boots for the wet terrain. Plan for self-sufficiency, including water, heating fuel, and emergency supplies due to the remote nature.
Best CampsitesThe cabin is the only site available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in times not explicitly stated.
Check-out
Check-out times not explicitly stated.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay duration is 10 nights during a visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 4 guests.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin site with adjacent airstrip, outhouse, picnic table, and meat shed.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round for reservations. Reservable season runs from Jan 1-Oct 30. First-come, first-served season runs from Nov 1-Dec 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityAvailable during first-come, first-served season, which corresponds to Nov 1 - Dec 31.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before the scheduled arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before cabin arrival) incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's fee. No refunds are provided for cancellations on the check-in date.
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
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The Alsek River Cabin provides opportunities for wildlife viewing, hunting, and camping in a remote and wild environment. Moose and mountain goat hunting are popular activities, and the surrounding terrain is home to brown and black bears, moose, Sandhill cranes, and wild strawberries.
Wildlife viewing
This region is rich in wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, and Sandhill cranes during migration seasons. "Wild strawberries are available for picking around the airstrip."Winter Activities
Winter activities are not specified, although the cabin is open year-round.Water Sports
No specific water sports activities are mentioned, although the cabin is near the Alsek River.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires not mentioned; heating oil required for indoor oil heater.
Hazards
General hazardsBrown and black bears are common in the area. The terrain is wet and requires hip boots for walking. The remote location may cause extended stays during poor weather.
Active alertsnull
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 83%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are in Yakutat, approximately 55 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesSeptember 1 - October 30.
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out all trash and food. No dedicated trash or recycling facilities are available on site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated about a mile from the Alsek River, known for its glaciers.
Common complaintsWeather challenges including heavy rain and wet terrain. Lack of on-site amenities noted in reviews.
Campground Map
P.O. BOX 327, YAKUTAT, AK 99689
Driving directionsThe cabin is located 55 miles southeast of Yakutat, just north of the Alsek River. Access is by wheeled plane only, on an 1,800x50-ft. airstrip.
Accessible only by wheeled plane via an airstrip adjacent to the cabin. Roads are not applicable due to the remote location.Nearby places
Yakutat - 55 miles southeast (travel time dependent on flight conditions)
Nearby supplies
Supplies must be brought by visitors, as there are no nearby grocery or fuel locations due to the remote and inaccessible nature of the area.
Camper Reviews
0.0
1 reviews
Alsek River Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote and wild nature of the campground. Visitors appreciate the rugged scenery and wildlife opportunities but warn about challenging weather and terrain.
Review Summaries
Based on 1 reviews
What Campers Love
The cabin is praised for its privacy and proximity to abundant wildlife. "Wild strawberries are available for picking around the airstrip" is a noted seasonal highlight.
Based on 1 reviewsCommon Concerns
Guests have pointed out the lack of provided amenities, such as potable water and electricity. "Bring waders!" suggests the wet terrain can be difficult to navigate.
Based on 1 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing waders due to the wet terrain and adequate supplies like potable water, heating oil, and trash bags.
Based on 1 reviewsSeasonal Insights
The spring and fall are highlighted for Sandhill crane migrations, while the cabin is open year-round for hunting and wildlife viewing. Challenges include wet terrain and cold weather during winter.
Based on 1 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Bring waders!" "Wild strawberries are available for picking around the airstrip."
Based on 1 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
No specific site reviews are available aside from the general description of the cabin.
Based on 1 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews explicitly address accessibility features.
Based on 1 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews or policies mention pets.
Based on 1 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025