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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Interior of Public-Use Cabin

Caines Head State Recreation Area

Derby Cove Cabin

Derby Cove Cabin

Cabin Specifications

★ Minimum Occupancy: 1 Guest
★ Maximum Occupancy: 8 Guests
★ Site Access Method: Summer - Float Plane or Boat-in
★ Stay Limit: 7 Consecutive Nights
★ Check-in/out Time: 12:00pm
★ Pets Allowed: Yes, always on leash
★ Fees: (see fee page)
★ Cabin Dimensions: 14' x 18'
★ Heating Method: Woodstove (Bring your own fuel)

Amenities

★ 2 full size bunk beds
★ Latrine
★ Counter and cabinets
★ Table with benches

Derby Cove Cabin is in Caines Head State Recreation Area. Caines Head State Recreation Area lies approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward in Resurrection Bay. This cabin sits within a spruce and hemlock forest behind a gravel beach. At the head of the Caines Head trail system, Derby Cove is a 0.6 miles from the ranger station. Derby Cove cabin is situated roughly 1/8 mile beyond the beach along the trail. If coming by water; look for an orange buoy marking the trail to the cabin.

Derby Cove cabin offers a host of recreational opportunities for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing, hiking, spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing are some of the recreational opportunities available at this location. Historic trails following old army roads take hikers to Fort McGilvray and on to South Beach. Fort McGilvray is perched on a 650-foot rocky cliff that offers dramatic views of Resurrection Bay. The fort is open to explore, but take a flashlight to find your way through the maze of underground passages and rooms.

Location:
The Derby Cove cabin Cabins can be reached by the coastal tidal trail, private boat, floatplane, or commercial water taxi service. Those planning to hike to the cabin should come prepared to work around the tides. The coastal trail begins at Lowell Point at the Lowell Point State Recreation Site trailhead and upper-parking area. The trail leads two miles to Tonsina Point where the tidal trail begins. The next one and one-half miles must be crossed at a plus 4 foot low tide or lower during the summer months and a plus 3 foot low tide or lower during winter months, to avoid getting stranded between the sea and the cliffs. Be familiar with the tides and get started 2 hours prior to the outgoing side of a low tide. Consult the Cordova or Seward District tides for the correct tide and times.

N60° 0'44.90" W149°24'54.72"

Special Notes:
Water - Water available in stream but must be treated or boiled before drinking.

Pack out everything you pack in.

Check for Availability on Reserve America

Important Info

Once you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Reserve America with important information about the cabin. Print out this confirmation e-mail and bring it with you to the cabin. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours of making the reservation, please contact the reservation call center at 1-844-351-9733 9am-5pm..

Remember that these cabins are not hotels. Always be prepared! Be sure to bring:

  • Sleeping bag and pad or air mattress
  • Food
  • Cookware, dishes, utensils
  • Cooking stove and fuel
  • Matches, lighters, paper fire starter
  • 9-volt battery for smoke detectors
  • First aid items
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Jug of water
  • Saw or ax, just in case
  • Firewood
  • Flashlight
  • Lantern and fuel

Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400
DPOR Director's Office:
(907) 269-8700