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Alaska Public Cabins
There
was a time I slept in a tent or under the stars. Then I moved to Alaska.
My apologies to outdoors purists, but above the 55th parallel I have come
to appreciate shelter. The many reasons constitute a litany: bugs, bears,
endless sun (or none at all), piercing cold, and rain, rain, rain.
But in Alaska, there is an antidote to these problems – not one antidote,
actually, but over 100 of them in “southcentral” alone. They’re
called public cabins. They are rustic, cheap (about $25 to $75 for a shelter
that sleeps between 2 and 10 people). And they are gloriously situated
on some of the most beautiful public lands in the whole world.
Some people call them Alaskans’ best-kept secret. It’s a secret
we’re willing to share – just so long as you appreciate quiet
trails and great fishing, and you’re the type to leave some split
wood for the next traveler.
An excellent (and free) source of additional cabin information is the
Alaska Public Lands Information Center in Anchorage (907) 271-2737.
My guidebook, “How to Rent a Public Cabin in Southcentral Alaska,”
details 105 shelters and provides information on how to reserve them.
It can be a daunting process, since about 7 different land agencies and
non-profits manage the various cabins.
Good luck, stay safe, and drop me an e-mail
if you have any new cabin information to share!
