About SAN JUAN BAY CABIN
Overview San Juan Bay Cabin offers recreation, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Montague Island in the Chugach National Forest in southcentral Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting and beachcombing. Access to the cabin is by wheel plane at low tide from Cordova or Seward. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The cabin is about a mile south of San Juan Creek, so it's a bit of a hike to get to the fishing, but the creek has good runs of coho and pink salmon and Dolly Varden from mid-July through mid-August. Hunters can take advantage of a long hunting season on the island and in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through late fall. The sandy landing beach, located 1/2-mile from the cabin, is a good place for beachcombers to search for glass Japanese fishing floats and other sea-borne treasures.Facilities The 14x16-ft rustic cabin can sleep up to six people and is furnished with wooden bunkbeds without mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a table, wood stove, oil stove, a rainwater catchment barrel, axe, saw, splitting maul and an outdoor pit toilet. The site is also equipped with an accessible ramp. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Visitors must bring their own water, food, #1 stove oil, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stoves, matches, cut firewood, cooking gear/utensils, lantern or flashlight, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags. Click here for more cabin details. Visitors should be aware that some of the land on Montague Island is owned by the Chugach Alaska Corporation, and access to these lands requires permission from the corporation. The area was extensively roaded and logged by the corporation from 1994 to 1998. Contact the Cordova Ranger District at 907-424-7661 for a detailed map of la
How to Get There
The cabin is 90 miles southwest of Cordova in San Juan Bay on the southwest end of Montague Island. Access to the cabin is by wheel plane at low tide only (60 minutes from Cordova, 40 minutes from Seward). Click here for local tide tables.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
- 💧
Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to SAN JUAN BAY CABIN
Heading to SAN JUAN BAY CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for SAN JUAN BAY CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for SAN JUAN BAY CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232974) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SAN JUAN BAY CABIN?
The cabin is 90 miles southwest of Cordova in San Juan Bay on the southwest end of Montague Island. Access to the cabin is by wheel plane at low tide only (60 minutes from Cordova, 40 minutes from Seward). Click here for local tide tables.
How do I contact SAN JUAN BAY CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (907) 424-7661.
References & Official Resources