About SHELTER BAY CABIN
Overview Shelter Bay Cabin is situated on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay on Hinchinbrook Island in the Chugach National Forest. Visitors will find many opportunities for recreation and relaxation in the vicinity, including fishing, hunting, beachcombing and wildlife viewing. Access to the cabin is by floatplane at high tide, wheel plane at low tide or boat. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation The outlet channel of Shelter Bay is a popular coho salmon fishing site in August and September. Pink and chum salmon start to appear in the outlet in early July. The inlet creek at the far end of the bay is also a good spot to catch pink and chum salmon and Dolly Varden from July to August. Visitors who prefer to stay around the outlet creek can try fly fishing for sea-run cutthroat trout. 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.Facilities The 20x20-ft rustic cabin can sleep six people on wooden bunkbeds without mattresses. The cabin is equipped with a table, benches, a wood and oil stove for heat and an outhouse. The cabin has no running water, electricity or cut firewood. Visitors must bring #1 oil, kerosene or wood for the stove, as well as water, food, sleeping bags, pads, cook stoves and cooking gear. Natural Features Hinchinbrook Island is in the Gulf of Alaska at the entrance to Prince William Sound. The cabin is located on a tidal bay, surrounded by low, forested hills of spruce, hemlock and muskeg openings. Wildlife in the area abounds, including waterfowl, Sitka black-tail deer and brown bear. The beaches on the Prince William Sound offer views of the Sound and the surrounding mountains. Occasionally, humpback and orca whales can be seen spouting offshore. Nearby Attractions Cape Hinchinbrook Lighth
How to Get There
The cabin is located on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay on Hinchinbrook Island. Access is by floatplane at high tide (20 minutes from Cordova) or wheeled plane at low tide (landing strip located 350 yards north of the cabin). Access by boat is 50 miles from Cordova. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering the bay. Tides affect all access to the cabin. Please consult 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.
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Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
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High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
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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 SHELTER BAY CABIN
Heading to SHELTER 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 SHELTER BAY CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for SHELTER BAY CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232983) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to SHELTER BAY CABIN?
The cabin is located on the southwest shore of Shelter Bay on Hinchinbrook Island. Access is by floatplane at high tide (20 minutes from Cordova) or wheeled plane at low tide (landing strip located 350 yards north of the cabin). Access by boat is 50 miles from Cordova. Boaters should inquire about local conditions before entering the bay. Tides affect all access to the cabin. Please consult local …
How do I contact SHELTER BAY CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (907) 424-7661.
References & Official Resources