Cabin Descriptions - Kenai Area

 Kachemak Bay State Park, near Homer

 Halibut Cove Lagoon/China Poot Lake Area
 Tutka Bay Area
 Caines Head State Recreation Area, near Seward
 Thumb Cove State Marine Park, near Seward

Kachemak Bay State Park (near Homer)
Halibut Cove Lagoon/China Poot Lake Area

BE AWARE: Mooring Buoy has been lost in Halibut Cove

Three public-use cabins are available in the Halibut Cove Lagoon area. The lagoon is located 10 miles from Homer, across Kachemak Bay. The park and cabins can only be reached by boat, floatplane, or commercial water and air taxis. Moderated by a maritime climate, the Kachemak Bay area experiences mild summer temperatures from 45° to 70°, and averages 60 inches of rain annually.

All cabins have spectacular scenery and have direct access to miles of hiking trails. King salmon fishing is excellent in early June. NOTICE: The lagoon can be noisy and congested with commercial fishing vessels during the snagging season.

For wildlife viewers, harbor seals, porpoises, bald eagles, waterfowl and occasional black bears frequent the area. Visitors can also pick berries, dig for littleneck or butter clams, or fish for dungeness crabs when in season. Please use the fish cleaning table on the dock.

The Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station is located near all the cabins, and is the hub of the Halibut Cove trail system. The station is staffed full-time during the main summer season, May 15 through August 31. There is no staff after the end of August. It is recommended Spetember 1 through May 14 to take your own fire wood, chainsaw to buck dead and down wood in the area and your own water, no guarantee of water unless hauled up from nearby creek.

The Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock is also located at the ranger station. Its available for public use during the same season as the ranger station, May 15 through September 15. The Overlook and the West Lagoon cabins are accessed directly from the dock. The floating dock is 80 feet long, and can moor boats up to 26 feet. GPS coordinates of the Halibut Cove Lagoon Dock is N59 33.69', W151 11.70'.

The dock is for drop off and pick up by water taxis, overnight use by PUC renters, and Park Staff. Other overnight stay is at discretion of Park Staff, other vessels will be moved if needed. The ramp from the dock to the cabin can be steep at low tides, timing arrival and hauling gear at high tide is best. The dock is dismantled for the winter season, however a ramp is available all year to the beach from the bluffs.

Woodstoves are in all the Halibut Cove Lagoon and China Poot Lake cabins. Firewood is NOT provided so please plan on bringing your own, especially in winter. One bundle per day is recommended in winter. Large rounds may be available nearby to split. The Ranger Station is staffed part time during the summer.

Access: If using a private boat, please use the caution necessary for coastal Alaskan waters, with respect to tides, weather, currents and your party's abilities and experience level. Kachemak Bay is often choppy in the afternoons, and can be hazardous to small watercraft. The lagoon offers good protection from these conditions. During winter months, the lagoon may be difficult to access due to wind, heavy seas, and flow ice.

Accessing Halibut Cove Lagoon can be hazardous, as the inlet channel is NOT NAVIGABLE at mid to low tides. Park staff recommends accessing the lagoon at HIGH TIDE ONLY, and suggest contacting a ranger about tides and channel conditions if unfamiliar with the area. Water currents entering and leaving the lagoon can be swift and treacherous at mid to low tides. Boats over 30 feet, or with a draft of more than 4 feet generally do not enter the lagoon.

BE AWARE: Mooring Buoy has been lost in Halibut Cove

Halibut Cove Cabin Fact Sheet and Map (pdf)
China Poot Lake Cabin Fact Sheet and Map (pdf)
Moose Valley Map (pdf)
Note: You must have Acrobat Reader 3.0 or greater to open these pdf files. Go to the Adobe Acrobat website to download this free software.

Click here for a list of authorized carriers.

Lagoon-Overlook Cabin (16' x 20')
Sleeps 8 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rocky point, overlooking the lagoon. Access the cabin at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock. Expect to carry gear 500 feet along a boardwalk. The 2-bedroom cabin is equipped with double wooden bunks, a table, counter, and chairs or benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available when the generator is running at the ranger station, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.

Lagoon-East Cabin (16' x 16')
Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rock bluff, the log cabin overlooks the lagoon and dock. Access the cabin at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock. Expect to carry gear 250 feet along a boardwalk. The 1-room cabin is equipped with a double wooden bunk, a wooden sleeping platform, table, counter, and benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available when the generator is running at the ranger station, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat. This cabin is designed for persons with mobility disabilities, as long as the individual has assistance up the ramp from the dock to the cabin boardwalk system.


Lagoon-West Cabin (16' x 16')
Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rock bluff, the log cabin overlooks the lagoon. Access the cabin at the southwest corner of Halibut Cove Lagoon, just east of the Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead. A long, steep stairway to the beach provides access to the cabin, or individuals may access the cabin along a short trail to the trailhead. Two mooring buoys are also available off the trailhead. The 1-room cabin is equipped with a double wooden bunk, a wooden sleeping platform, table, counter, and benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available from a nearby creek, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.

China Poot Lake Cabin (16' x 16')
Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on the shores of scenic China Poot Lake, also known as Leisure Lake. China Poot Lake is approximately 2.4 trails miles from Halibut Cove Lagoon trailhead or 13 air miles from Homer. Air taxis can land on the lake, but there is no dock facility at the cabin. Water is available from the lake, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.

Moose Valley Cabin (12' x 12')
Sleeps 2 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. The Moose Valley public use cabin is located just off the Moose Valley Loop trail. It is approximately 2.4 miles from the Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station. The trail leaves the China Poot Lake trail about 1.2 miles from the station and ‘loops’ through Moose Valley and up to the South side of Poot Peak. From Poot Peak, access the South Spur trail to China Poot Lake (Leisure Lake) or the Wosnesenski River Trail. Water can be taken from the stream, just off the front porch, but boil, filter or treat before drinking. A small outhouse is nearby. A small woodstove is available for heat. The cabin is suitable for use later in the season as this trail is not normally cleared until mid to late June.

Tutka Bay Area

Tutka Bay sits at the western end of Kachemak Bay State Park, between Jackalof Bay and Sadie Cove. There is pink salmon fishing when in season and certain areas offer a chance to check out the tide pools at low tide. Sea Star Cove Public Use Cabin faces directly up Tutka Bay with a great view toward Eldred Passage and Cook Inlet. Boaters and kaykers can further explore Tutka Bay from the cabin.

A short trail leads from the cabin toward a campsite approximately a quarter mile away. From there, the trail climbs over a ridge and around a small lake approximately a quarter mile from the fish hatchery in Tutka Lagoon. Hikers can walk down to the hatchery or around the lake and up about one mile to the wilderness park boundary.

Access: Sea Star Cove cabin is approximately 14 miles from Homer harbor and is located on the south shore of Tutka Bay, approximately 1.2 miles south of the entrance to Tutka Lagoon. There is a public mooring buoy servicing the cabin. When boating into Tutka Bay from Eldred Passage, stay in the middle of the bay and away from the south side as there area many underwater rocks and spires along the shoreline. When you reach the cove, use the beach on the right side as one faces towards shore and be careful of rocks. From this side of the beach, a small staircase and trail lead to the cabin located on a small knoll, approximately 300 feet above the beach.

The cabin is accessible at any tide, but always carry a tide book. Use the Seldovia Tide Tables for Tutka Bay. If beaching a small skiff or kayak, always pull it above the high tide line and be aware of the next high tide level. Make sure the skiff or kayak is tied off as well.

Woodstoves are in all the Halibut Cove Lagoon and China Poot Lake cabins. Firewood is NOT provided so please plan on bringing your own, especially in winter. One bundle per day is recommended in winter. Large rounds may be available nearby to split. The Ranger Station is staffed part time during the summer.

Sea Star Cove Cabin (16' X 16')
Sleeps 6 (maximum 6) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. There is a wood stove for heat and a table, benches, and counter for food preparation. The latrine is located approximately 50 yards behind the cabin on the north side. Plan on providing your own toilet paper should none be found at the latrine. A fresh water stream is near the cabin provides water, which should be treated before drinking. GPS N59 25.983', W151 23.069'
BE AWARE: Mooring Buoy has been removed

Yurts through Nomand Shelter

Six yurts are available for rent at various location in Kachemak State Park. Nomad Shelter, Inc. has the commercial permit to operate, maintain and rent these yurts. Each yurt has bunks, wood stove, table and chairs, and sleeps a maximum of 5 people. Wood for the stove is provided. There is no limit on the length of stay or when you make a reservation. A water source is nearby, as well as a pit latrine. Check in is at 1 pm and check out is 11 am. The yurts are maintained on a weekly basis. For more information, check the Nomad Shelter web site or contact:

Access: All yurts are on the coast within 100 yards of shore and in the vicinity of a trailhead. The yurts are accessible at any tide, but always carry a tide book. Use the Seldovia Tide Tables for Tutka Bay and for Halibut Cove Lagoon. If beaching a small skiff or kayak, always pull it above the high tide line and be aware of the next high tide level. Make sure the skiff or kayak is tied off as well. The yurt locations are:

• near Humpy Creek Trailhead, at the mouth of Humpy Creek
• near Wright Beach Trailhead, at the mouth of Halibut Cove
• in China Poot Bay at Coalition Trailhead
• near North Eldridge Passage Trailhead
• near Grace Ridge Trailhead Northwest, on Kayak Beach at mouth of Tutka Bay
• near Grace Ridge Trailhead Southeast, halfway down Tutka Bay

Click here for more information on Kachemak Bay State Park.

Caines Head State Recreation Area (near Seward)

Caines Head State Recreation Area lies approximately seven nautical miles south of Seward in Resurrection Bay. Salmon fishing, hiking, beachcombing, and spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing are some of the recreational opportunities available at this park. The historic World War II fortifications are open to explore, but please take a flashlight.

The park and cabins can be accessed by a 4.5 mile trail. The trail begins at Lowell Point, with two miles of the trail on beach. Click here to see pictures of the beach portion of the trail. The beach portion of the trail must be crossed at low tide, so time your trip with the tides. Recommended tide levels are plus 4 foot low tide or lower during the summer months and plus 3 foot low tide or lower during the winter months. This is to avoid getting stranded between the sea and the cliffs. Click here for information on tide tables. If you are coming by boat, you should be forewarned that no mooring buoy exists at either cabin. Anchoring is at your own risk. When pulling a skiff, kayak or inflatable ashore, be sure to secure it to avoid losing it at high tide or to surf conditions. Charter boats are available in Seward and provide shuttle services to and from the park and it's cabins. Click here for a list of authorized carriers.

Temperatures are mild due to maritime influences. During summer months temperatures range from 40° to 70°, so be prepared for any kind of weather. These cabins are difficult to reach during the winter months due to wind, rain and heavy seas.

Both cabins are equipped with a wood heating stove, wooden sleeping platforms, a table and chairs or benches and a latrine. There are nearby creeks for a water source. Please purify the water before using it.

Derby Cove & Callisto Canyon Cabin Fact Sheet and Map (pdf)
Note: You must have Acrobat Reader 3.0 or greater to open these pdf files. Go to the Adobe Acrobat web site to download this free software.

Kenai/Prince William Sound Trail Report

Derby Cove Cabin (14' X 18')
Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. This cabin sits within spruce and hemlock forest behind a gravel beach. At the head of the Caines Head trail system, Derby Cove is a quarter mile from the ranger station. Use the creek that runs in front of the cabin as a water source.

Callisto Canyon Cabin (14' X 18')
Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. For a water source, there is a small stream located on the hillside directly southwest of the cabin. A second water source that is dependable year 'round is approximately 400 yds. down the beach where a moderate waterfall empties onto the beach, but access to it must be timed with the low tide.

Click here for more information on Caines Head State Recreation Area.

Thumb Cove State Marine Park (near Seward)

Thumb Cove State Marine Park is located on the east side of Resurrection Bay, approximately 7.5 miles from Seward. The park includes the southeast shoreline of the cove - a long beach of fine to medium sand and beach gravel; forested uplands of spruce, hemlock and alder; and most of the waters of Thumb Cove. The most striking geologic feature in the park is Porcupine Glacier, towering above the park.

Thumb Cove SMP is a favorite stop for recreational boaters and camping is popular along the beaches. The cove also offers good protection from the often unstable weather of Resurrection Bay. Salmon fishing, hiking, spectacular scenery and wildlife viewing are some of the recreational opportunities available within the park.

The park and cabins can only be reached by private boat, floatplane, or commercial water taxi service. If using a private boat, please use the caution necessary for coastal Alaskan waters with respect to tides, weather, currents and your party's abilities and experience level. The waters of Resurrection Bay are generally choppy in afternoons and can become hazardous to small watercraft.

Anchoring is at your own risk. If pulling a kayak, inflatable or small skiff ashore, be sure to secure your boat to avoid losing it at high tide or to surf conditions.

Charter boats are available in Seward and provide shuttle services to and from the park and it's cabins. Click here for a list of authorized carriers. These cabin may be difficult to reach during the winter months due to wind, rain and heavy seas. Please check the current weather forecast before heading out to Thumb Cove.

Each cabin has two sets of full size bunk beds (no mattresses), a table, benches, counter and a wood stove (for heating only). An axe and saw may not be available due to thefts, so plan on being equipped to split and cut your own wood. Wood may be scarce and wet; to insure yourself a fire, bring your own wood. A latrine is located almost directly behind each cabin. Plan on providing your own toilet paper should none be found at the latrine. Also, please purify all water before drinking.

Spruce Glacier & Porcupine Glacier Cabin Fact Sheet and Map (pdf)
Note: You must have Acrobat Reader 3.0 or greater to open these pdf files. Go to the Adobe Acrobat website to download this free software.

Spruce Glacier Cabin (16' X 16')
Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. From the water, this cabin is located on the left-hand, or east, side of the beach. A wheelchair accessible boardwalk leads from the beach berm to the cabin, approximately 300' back from the steep, cobbled beach. Wheelchair- assisted access will be necessary from the beach landing to the boardwalk. The closest fresh water source is not accessible to all users, so bring enough fresh water for your stay if you are unable to access the stream. The small stream is located on the hillside and is directly east of the cabin. The stream empties onto the beach by a very large boulder past the eastern-most barge wreck. To reach it you must walk out near the shore.

Porcupine Glacier Cabin (16' X 16')
Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. From the water, this cabin is on the right-hand, or west, side of the beach. The closest fresh water source is a small stream located on the hillside facing the bay. To reach it, you must walk out onto the shore, so plan filling any water containers at anytime except at the highest tide.