Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Cabin Descriptions - Kodiak Area

Shuyak Island State Park
Afognak Island State Park

Shuyak Island State Park (near Kodiak)

Shuyak Island, at the northern end of the Kodiak Island Archipelago, is about 50 air miles north of the town of Kodiak. Access to Shuyak Island is via boat or float plane only. Shuyak Island State Park encompasses most of the island's 47,000 acres. A number of air charters provide float plane service to the park and the four public use cabins located there. Once you arrive on the island, no visitor services are available.
Mulcahy View Cabin
Each of the four public use cabins in Shuyak Island State Park are located just up from the water's edge in a dense old growth Sitka spruce forest. All cabins are also located inside protected saltwater bays. The cabins are identically built from cedar 'Pan Abode' kits and each measures 12' x 20'. Each cabin site includes a wood shed and outhouse. The wood shed is outfitted with wood and splitting tools. All cabins include four sleeping platforms, wood stove, a basic supply of cooking pots, pans, and utensils for four to six persons. Visitors should plan to bring any additional gear including a cookstove and lantern.

There is a sink in each cabin; water must be hauled from a nearby creek in 5 gallon jugs, which are furnished. There is a fresh water source near each cabin; visitors are advised to purify the water before using it.

Weather at Shuyak Island is generally cool and moist. Average annual precipitation is about 75 inches and summertime temperatures range from the low 40's to the low 60's. Poor weather can delay flights to and from the park so all visitors are encouraged to pack extra food and supplies in case they get weathered in.

  • Salmon Cove Cabin (12' X 20')

    Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. Salmon Cove offers a great combination of hunting and fishing opportunities. This cabin is located in Big Bay, which offers good kayaking and hiking. GPS N58 33.3', W152 34.65'

  • Eagle's Nest Cabin (12' X 20')

    Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. This is the most popular cabin in the park and is located in Big Bay. Eagle's Nest lies half way between two salmon streams. A trail leads from the cabin to both streams. This is a great family cabin. GPS N58 32.7', W152 35.8'

  • Mulcahy View Cabin (12' X 20')

    Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. This cabin is located on Neketa Bay. The bay is isolated, quiet, and serene. It offers great kayaking with good access to the outer coast and Shelikof Straits. Wildlife, including birds, is plentiful. Seals, otters, and dolphins often visit, and puffins, as well as eagles, nest just outside the bay. There are foot trails from the cabin to the outer coast and to the ranger station on Big Bay. GPS N58 32.25', W152 37.3'

  • Deer Haven Cabin (12' X 20')

    Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. The area is excellent for kayaking. There are good salmon fishing streams one mile to the south (access to these is best by boat). This is one of the most popular cabins for deer hunters. Cabin users may also find excellent beach combing on the outer coast. Whales, otters, sea lions, and many kinds of seabirds can be viewed from the entrance to Carry Inlet. GPS N58 34.63', W152 32.8'

Click here for more information on Shuyak Island State Park.


Afognak Island State Park (near Kodiak)

Hiker at Piller LakeAfognak Island State Park encompasses about 75,000 acres on the north and east sides of Afognak Island, which is located just north of Kodiak. The park is accessible via boat of float plane. A number of air charters provide float plane service to the park and the public use cabins located at Pillar and Laura Lakes in the park.

Each cabin is equipped with bunks, table and wood heating stove. Visitors should bring a cook stove and lantern. There is a woodshed and outhouse nearby; firewood is provided but must be split. Water is available from the lake, but visitors are advised to purify the water before use.

Weather at Afognak Island is generally cool and moist. Average annual precipitation is about 75 inches and summertime temperatures range from the low 40's to the low 60's. Poor weather can delay flights to and from the park so all visitors are encouraged to pack extra food and supplies in case they get weathered in.

Maximum stay is seven consecutive nights per month at either cabin.
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  • Pillar Lake Cabin (12' X 14')

    Sleeps 4 (maximum 6). See Fee Page for rates. Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. Activities include hunting, beach combing, hiking, fishing and wildlife viewing. The cabin is located at the south end of Pillar Lake. Access to the cabin is via floatplane, using Pillar Lake for landing. Water access via the saltwater beach south of the cabin is not recommended. Pillar Lake may freeze as early as November 1. GPS 58°10'53"N, 152°08'33"W.

  • Laura Lake Cabin (12' X 14')

    Sleeps 6 (maximum 6) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. Activities include hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The cabin is east of Perenosa Bay on the northern end of Afognak Island, about 2.5 miles from the head of Pauls Lake. Access is via float plane only, since there are no developed trails from Pauls Bay to the cabin. Laura Lake may freeze as early as November 1. GPS 58°21'29"N, 152°18'35"W.

  • Discoverer Bay Cabin (16' X 20')

    Sleeps 10 (maximum 10) with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights per month. See Fee Page for rates. The area is excellent for kayaking. The Discoverer Bay Cabin is located inside the protected waters of Discoverer Bay on the northern side of Afognak Island. The beach provides saltwater access for float planes, and is deep enough for some boats to access.

    The cabin is approximately 16'x20' with a second-floor loft and is heated by a large wood stove. There are two twin size sleeping platforms on the main floor and additional 4 twin platforms in the loft with floor space to easily accommodate approximately 4 more people. The cabin is located about 30 yards from the beach, but does not have a near-by source for freshwater. It is recommended to bring your own supply of drinking water. This cabin has a propane cooking stove, but propane is not provided, if you wish to use it, you must bring your own propane.

    The mouth of Portage Creek is approximately three-quarters of a mile to the South of the cabin, and receives large returns of Red Salmon, Silver Salmon, and Steelhead. Like other major salmon spawning areas, the Portage Creek area often has a concentrated population of bears during spawning season. The private (native corporation) lands adjacent to the park may require special permits to access. If you plan to enter these areas, contact the appropriate native corporation in advance.

    There are no developed trails near Discoverer Bay, but logging roads can be reached within a few miles of the cabin. Sitka black-tailed deer, Roosevelt elk, and fox may also be found in the area. Some of the shoreline can be hiked at low tide, but outcroppings and tide changes can make travel difficult. Some visitors may want to bring a kayak or inflatable watercraft.

    The cabin has wood provided (must split your own), an axe and maul for wood splitting, sleeping platforms, tables with benches, a deck, and an outhouse.

    Lat: 58° 18' 22.374" N Long: 152° 24' 24.750" W

Click here for more information on Afognak Island State Park.

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