There are numerous public use rental cabins in Prince William Sound that Whittier Water Taxi can take you to! The advantages of these remote cabins include great affordability – at between $35 and $65/night – and the fact that you won’t have to share the wilderness with other groups such as at expensive lodges. Whittier Water Taxi offers by far the best rates for transport to these cabins. We are year round Alaskans and we cater to Alaskans and their families and friends as well as independent travelers who are looking for the real Alaskan wilderness experience. Our Alaskan made boat can take you right to the shore and we have a specially designed landing gate – no need to get your feet wet and you don’t have to crawl down a ladder onto the shore, making it easy to load and unload your gear. We also offer wildlife viewing tours and glacier/shrimping tours if you’d like to do a tour on your way to the cabin or on your way back. We operate out of Whittier, Alaska from mid-March through mid-December.
For more info on water taxi services to cabins and other remote locations, check out Whittier Water Taxi or call Matt on (907) 362 1291. For more info on planning your Alaskan Adventure, check out Alaska Adventure Tours or call Heidi on (907) 362 1290.
Can’t get a cabin because they are all booked up?
Prince William Sound Lodging offers truly remote wilderness lodging, out of reach of industrial tourism. Lodging on our 76 foot base camp boat is less than half the price of the land based lodges. These land based lodges are all located in the middle of the commercial fishing districts, with hundreds of boats plying the waters around the clock, detracting from your wilderness experience. We offer all the comforts of home but are located in the Alaskan wilderness, in Prince William Sound. We not only provide the best service at the most affordable price, but our business is Alaska owned and operated by year round Alaskans with collectively over 35 years of boating experience in the North Gulf Coast of Alaska.
Decision Point State Marine Park is on the south side of Passage Canal approximately eight miles east of Whittier. The park is generally used by kayakers and small boat users, as there is no protected anchorage. The public use cabin in this park is located on the west side of Squirrel Cove. The cabin sleeps up to 8 people and has a table, benches, counter, and oil stove. The stove uses #1 fuel oil or kerosene.
Four tent platforms are also located in Squirrel Cove and can be accessed from the cabin by a boardwalk trail. Each tent platform can accommodate one tent and they are available on a first come basis. A cooking area and bear-proof locker is provided for food storage.
Just south of Decision Point is an east-facing pebble beach that provides dry, flat camping for up to 10 tents between the dead trees. The camp areas are above the high tide and have two fire rings. The cabin and camping areas are popular with kayakers who are exploring Blackstone Bay and Passage Canal.
This cabin can be reached by private boat, kayak, floatplane, or Whittier Water Taxi. No mooring buoys are provided at Decision Point State Marine Park. Whittier Water Taxi is an authorized commercial taxi service for Prince William Sound.
For more cabin information, click here: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/index.htm
For Cabin Reservation, click here: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/cabins/reserv.htm
Surprise Cove State Marine Park Camping
Surprise Cove State Marine Park is located on the western side of the mouth of Cochrane Bay. There are many recreational opportunities here and it is one of the most popular anchorages in western Prince William Sound. The park includes forested uplands and two large lakes draining into Surprise Cove. The uplands and muskeg throughout the park provide good exploratory hiking. A short trail to North Lake can be found starting at the head of the northern bight (around the point westward of the largest camping beach). A small orange triangle with a black "T" will mark the trail head next to a small creek. Abundant tide pool life can be found at Point Cochrane during minus tides.
There are about seven camping sites on various terrains. The most popular site, which is protected from weather and on flat slate pebbles, is located above the gravel beach just inside the north entrance to the cove. Larger groups with kayaks or small motorboats often use the site, which has room for approximately 12 tents. Three tent platforms nest against the hillside here to offer scenic views and drier camping pads. A small bear-proof locker and latrine are in the center of this beach.
The second largest site is above the exposed beach just northeast of Point Cochrane. There is room for five tents, but it is only usable in fair weather due to beach surf. The other sites within the cove are single tent sites. Two are on relatively dry land by the northern bight, or bend, in the coast, and the others are on wetlands above the beach and on the islands. One of the northern bight sites is located on moss in the trees just west of the stream, and the other is on the small rock promontory 150 feet southeast of the stream. One of these island sites has part of an old tent platform. Water can be collected at streams that feed the cove.
Don't have camp gear? We rent out full camp kits if you're going out with Whittier Water Taxi.
Contact Heidi at (907) 362-1290 or check out Alaska Adventure Tours
Chugach National Forest | Pigot Bay Rental Cabin
This 16' A-frame cabin with a loft sleeps up to 6 people. It has a table, propane heater, wooden bunks, table, benches, and an outhouse. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses or bedding, cooking utensils, or cut firewood. It is best to bring a propane tank.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
The cabin is on a bluff 12' above the ocean overlooking Pigot Bay. Access from the beach is by steps.
The climate is often wet, windy, and cool. Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of your trip so bring extra supplies to last an extra two days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended. Drinking water is sometimes difficult to obtain near the cabin.
Whittier Water Taxi starts transporting to this cabin in March every year. Most requests to go out there are from telemark skiers, kayakers and duck hunters.
Chugach National Forest | Harrison Lagoon Rental Cabin
This 16 x 20-foot wood cabin sleeps 6 and has a table, wooden bunks, benches, a propane heater and an outhouse. The cabin is on the west side of Port Wells, 2 miles north of Hobo Bay and is accessible with Whittier Water Taxi. The cabin is designed with ramps, larger floor space and wider doors to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Rugged and scenic landscapes and the seclusion of this cabin add to a wilderness experience. A small boat allows exploring of the coast or crossing the lagoon and can also allow more hiking possibilities. The Forest Service does not provide boats. Because of the terrain, hiking around the cabin is limited. It is possible to walk around the lagoon at low tide. Tide tables should be consulted to time the return hike to low tide as well. Blueberries and salmonberries can be found near the cabin.
Land mammals include black bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, and bald eagles. The lagoon and Port Wells support many sea birds and sea ducks. Sea mammals such as harbor seals, sea otter, some sea lions as well as Dall and harbor porpoises frequent the area. Whales can sometimes be seen in the ocean. Hunting for bear and waterfowl is good in designated seasons. Fishing is fair for pink salmon (August) either in Lagoon Creek (inland from Harrison Lagoon) or in saltwater. The lagoon drains at low tide and should be used by skiffs only. The shoal to the east of lagoon should only be used for short-term anchoring as it is unprotected. Drinking water is accessible by boat at Lagoon Creek or by walking south of the cabin along shore line at low tide.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
This area is awesome for kayaking, wildlife viewing and duck hunting.
Chugach National Forest | Paulson Bay Rental Cabin
This 12' x 14' log cabin sleeps 6 and has a table, wooden bunks, benches, a propane heater and an outhouse. Not included: running water, electricity, mattress or bedding, or cooking utensils.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
The weather may be wet, windy and cool. Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of your trip, so bring extra supplies to last an extra 2 days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended. Drinking water is sometimes difficult to obtain near the cabin.
The cabin is in an area that offers seclusion and majestic scenery as well as excellent fishing and hunting. Hiking in the area is fairly easy because of relatively little brush to inhibit movement. There is a route from the cabin north to the creek (about 3/4 mile). A small boat can increase the opportunity to explore the bay and surrounding coast. (Boats not supplied by the Forest Service.) The cabin is situated for a spectacular view of Port Wells and into College Fjord with Harvard Glacier in the background. The lagoon at the head of the bay offers fish viewing.
Whittier Water Taxi starts transporting to this cabin in March each year. This cabin makes an awesome base camp for an extended kayaking trip.
Chugach National Forest | Shrode Lake Rental Cabin
This 16' A-frame cabin with a loft sleeps up to 8 people. It has a table, wooden bunks, benches an oil stove for heat and an outhouse. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses or bedding, cooking utensils, life vests, or stove oil.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
This cabin offers a secluded getaway in majestic surroundings. This area receives heavy snowfalls, making skiing in the early spring awesome! Since Three Fingers Cove and Long Bay freeze in the winter, the cross-country trek from the nearest water taxi drop-off point to the cabin can be challenging! A small run of sockeye salmon passes through in mid-July, followed by abundant pink salmon through mid-August, and silver salmon in late August. You can fish for salmon in Shrode Lake, in the lake outlet and the creek it feeds, in the lagoon beyond that, and in Long Bay - which is beyond the lagoon. There is also fishing for Dolly Varden in Shrode Lake. Berries ripen in August. A one-mile hiking trail leads from the cabin to Long Bay. There is no bridge across the creek that drains Shrode Lake, but once you've waded across at a ford site marked with posts, you can hike 3 miles along a trail to Three Fingers Cove. You can also hike east along a more primitive trail to Jack Lake about half a mile away. Sea kayakers can portage to saltwater west or north, but it's a hard, long haul. Access via the Long Bay trail is the shorter, better route.
Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of the trip, so bring supplies to last an extra 2 days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended. Drinking water is sometimes difficult to obtain near the cabin.
Whittier Water Taxi starts transporting to this cabin each March. Most requests to go out there at that time of year are from telemark skiers. Summer activities include fly fishing, hiking, and kayaking.
Chugach National Forest | Goose Bay Rental Cabin
A couple miles into Goose Bay, this 12' x 14' log cabin sleeps up to 6 people. It has a table, bunks, propane heater and an outhouse. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses or bedding, cooking utensils, or cut firewood.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days. We recommend taking a propane tank.
The weather can be wet, windy, and cool. Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of the trip, so bring extra supplies to last an extra 2 days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended as well as drinking water.
Kayaking, skiing, and hiking in Culross Passage are awesome. Whittier Water Taxi starts transporting to this cabin each March. Most requests to go out there are from telemark skiers and snow shoeing in the spring and kayakers in the summer and deer hunters in the fall. From mid-November onwards, the bay leading to the cabin freezes over.
Chugach National Forest | Green Island Rental Cabin
This rustic cabin is wheelchair accessible and sleeps up to 6 people. It has a table, wood stove, oil stove, splitting maul, saw, rainwater catchment barrel, and an outhouse. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses or bedding, cooking utensils, stove oil, or cut firewood.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
The weather can be wet, windy, and cool. Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of the trip, so bring extra supplies to last an extra 2-5 days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended as well as drinking water.
The Green Island cabin is on a narrow peninsula with one side facing Gibbon Anchorage (a shallow bay) and the other side facing Prince William Sound. It is one of the newest cabins in the District and has one of the most scenic settings of all. Located on a forested isthmus between Gibbon Anchorage and Prince William Sound, the surrounding terrain is flat and forested with muskeg openings.
Kayaking, hiking, and birding are excellent as well as deer hunting in the early season. Let Whittier Water Taxi arrange your transport to this cabin from Whittier, Alaska.
Chugach National Forest | Port Chalmers Rental Cabin (Montague Island)
This 12' x 14' foot rustic cabin sleeps up to 6 people and is on the southern end of Port Chalmers on the northwest side of Montague Island. It has a table, wooden bunks, benches, wood stove, oil stove, splitting maul, saw, rainwater catchment barrel, and an outhouse. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses or bedding, cooking utensils, stove oil, or cut firewood.
Occupancy of the Forest Service Cabins is by permit only ($35 per night per party). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling 1-877-444-6777 or online at http://www.recreation.gov. The maximum stay for this cabin is 7 days.
The weather can be wet, windy, and cool. Inclement weather may cause an unexpected extension of the trip, so bring extra supplies to last an extra 2-5 days. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended as well as drinking water.
This cabin makes a great hunting base camp for Sitka black-tailed deer, brown bear, and waterfowl and is a popular destination request for Whittier Water Taxi.
Pink, chum, and coho salmon fishing can all be good at the right times and tides. At high tides, schools of coho salmon will nose around the bay and lagoons near the cabin while they're searching for their spawning stream. Being in the ocean, these fish are still in their peak condition before the spawning run, so the action can be pretty intense while it lasts. At low tide, the coho move to other areas. Some pink salmon spawn in the tiny creeks around the cabin, so they tend to stick around.
The main spawning stream in the area is the Chalmers River, about a mile to the north across the inlet. One of the highlights is that there's a good run of chum salmon. Chums are often overlooked as a game fish, but a good size chum can be 15 lbs. Literally thousands of pink salmon spawn in the Chalmers River, and coho can be fished in the channels at the mouth or in some of the bigger pools upstream.
Check out some of our other services:
www.princewilliamsoundlodging.com
www.whittierwatertaxi.com
www.princewilliamsoundhunting.com
www.princewilliamsoundbirding.com
www.sewardalaskaadventuretours.com
Check out the current weather in Whittier, Alaska: http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=AKZ125
Contact us: Phone: (907) 362 1291
E-mail: ak_explorer@hotmail.com