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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Interior of Public Use Cabin

Afognak Island State Park

Discoverer Bay Cabin

Discoverer Bay Cabin 1
Discoverer Bay Cabin 2

Cabin Specifications

★ Minimum Occupancy: 1 Guest
★ Maximum Occupancy: 10 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: 16' x 20'
★ Heating Method: Woodstove

Afognak Island SP Map

Amenities

★ Wood Provided (split your own)
★ Axe and maul for wood splitting
★ Sleeping platforms
★ Table with benches
★ Propane stove top burners (propane not provided)
★ Deck
★ Outhouse

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 close-by source for freshwater. Many choose to bring their own 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. Some private (native corporation) lands adjacent to the park may require special permits to access. If you plan to enter these areas, check landowner requirements and policies

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. Hunters should bring an electric fence to prevent bears gaining access to meat hung in trees or in the woodshed. 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.

Location:
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. Cabin is located about 30 yards from the beach on the southeast shore of Discoverer Bay near the Portage Creek end.

Lat: 58.30640 Long: 152.40666

Special Notes:
No fresh water source in area, - Bring your own water.

Weather - Afognak Island is subject to severe and unpredictable weather. Sea conditions can deteriorate rapidly: large swells, rough seas, high winds, and heavy surf occur frequently in open waters. The inner bays are generally protected, but in Alaskan waters hypothermia can set in within minutes. A large amount of annual precipitation can occur and summertime temperatures range from the low 40's to the low 60's (Fahrenheit). 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. Always be ready for rain and wet ground/be prepared to stay dry and warm.

Bears - Kodiak brown bear (Ursus arctos) are found on Afognak Island. Be prepared for bear encounters. Respect the bears, give them the right of way and make a lot of noise to alert bears of your presence. Use caution, avoid surprise encounters, and follow all bear safety etiquette. Do not leave any food items or trash outside of cabins or otherwise accessible to bears. Discard fish and animal entrails in ocean or deep fast-moving water.

Communications - Carry signaling devise in case of an emergency (orange cloth/flares/etc.). It is recommended to have at least one electronic communication device such as; satellite phone, handheld marine band radio or portable satellite communication system (SPOT type of device)

Carry first aid items, flashlight (particularly in winter), snack and a fire starter.

Surface water should be boiled or treated before drinking.

Please help protect shorebirds by keeping dogs under control at all times; do not allow dogs to disturb or chase birds or wildlife.

Always tell a friend, relative, or park ranger (907-486-6339) where you are going and when you expect to return.

Fireworks and explosives are prohibited.

Disturbing or damaging natural, cultural or historic objects prohibited.

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