Caines Head State Recreation Area
Tonsina Cabin
Cabin Specifications
★ Occupancy: 1 to 6 Guests
★ Site Access: Hike in, boat in
★ Stay Limit: 7 Nights
★ Check-in/out Time: 12:00pm
★ Pets Allowed: Yes**
★ Fees: (see fee page)
★ Cabin Dimensions: 14' x 18'
★ Heating Method: Oil Stove (Kerosene or Diesel Fuel - Bring your own fuel)
Amenities
★ Outhouse
★ Fire Ring
★ Wooden Bunks
★ Benches
Resurrection Bay Brochure
The Tonsina Cabin is the newest cabin at Caines Head State Recreation Area.
Location:
The Tonsina Public-Use Cabin is located in the Caines Head State Recreation Area, approximately two miles from the Lowell Point State Recreation Area parking lot. The cabin can also be accessed via kayak or boat, but boaters should use caution during negative tides as the landing can be very shallow and muddy.
Hike in: Follow the Tonsina Point Trail from the upper parking area at Lowell Point State Recreation Area to the first bridge at the north fork of Tonsina Creek (1.7mi.). After crossing the bridge, the trail veers right and enters a large forested tidal/flood plain crossing a series of boardwalks that lead to the second large bridge, which spans the south fork of Tonsina creek. Continue across the second bridge passing the camping area on the right and follow the trail out onto Tonsina beach (.3mi).
Head south on the beach to the extreme southern end of the greater Tonsina creek alluvial fan (.1mi). If you are approaching the cabin from the north at or near high tide one may have to navigate around several "ghost trees" (remnants of the 1964 earthquake). These are historic objects; enjoy, but do not harm or use for firewood.
Watch for a "Public-Use Cabin" sign with an orange buoy at the base of a large cut-bank.
Hike up the trail to the cabin perched on a forested hill.
GPS: 60.02'27" N 149.26'41"W
Special Notes:
* The most reliable water source near the cabin is the south fork Tonsina Creek. A seasonal spring near the cabin may be available. Be sure to filter or boil water.
In addition, the Coastal Trail leading south to Derby Cove begins when one enters the beach south of the camping area. The "trail" is the beach from here until Derby Cove and is only navigable 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 is recommended. The trail does not continue south in any way through the forested area in front of or beyond the Tonsina Cabin.
** Pets must be under control at all times and you are responsible for cleaning up your pet's waste.
Pack out everything you pack in.
Check Availablility 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
- AA batteries for smoke detectors
- First aid items
- Plastic trash bags
- Jug of water
- Saw or axe, just in case
- Firewood
- Flashlight
- Lantern and fuel