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FacilityCampgroundRecreation.gov

GOOSE BAY CABIN

Whittier, Alaska · Valdez-Cordova County · Campground

Overview Goose Bay Cabin is a great place for recreation, relaxation and sightseeing within the heart of western Prince William Sound. The Cabin was newly constructed in 2021 to replace the old Goose Bay Cabin which was unfortunately damaged by extreme snow loads. The A-frame cabin makes for an exceptional base camp fo…

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About GOOSE BAY CABIN

Overview Goose Bay Cabin is a great place for recreation, relaxation and sightseeing within the heart of western Prince William Sound. The Cabin was newly constructed in 2021 to replace the old Goose Bay Cabin which was unfortunately damaged by extreme snow loads. The A-frame cabin makes for an exceptional base camp for backcountry skiers in the spring months. A variety of activities exist in the core summer and Fall months as well, making this one of the more popular public use cabins on the Chugach National Forest. The Cabin is located on Chugach National Forest lands within the Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area. This remote site can be accessed by a 45-minute float plane trip from Anchorage or about a 25 mile boat ride from Whittier, depending on conditions. Given the fresh water sources feeding Goose Bay, the bay will freeze over in the winter months, making transportation to the cabin a challenge in the heart of the winter. Usually Goose Bay opens up in mid to late March, but this is very much dependant on temperatures. Cabin users are responsible for their own transportation and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cook stove, toilet paper, pots and utensils as well as some form of water purification. Recreation The area around Goose Bay offers year-round recreational opportunities. Hiking, kayaking and stand up Paddleboarding are popular summertime activities in and around the Cabin.The terrain on Culross Island attracts backcountry and cross-country skiers in the winter and early spring. A ski or snowshoe adventure to the high point on Culross Island offers spectacular views of Prince William Sound and the jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chugach Range to the North. Winter users: Please be aware and cognizant of avalanche hazards when recreating in snow-covered terrain.The cabin makes a good base for fishing and shrimping expeditions in and around Culross Passage. Black bear hunting in th

How to Get There

This Cabin is not accessible via the road system. Boat access: Goose Bay is approximately 25 miles southeast of Whittier in Prince William Sound. From Whittier Harbor, head east out of Passage Canal and across Port Wells. Head south into Culross Passage. Goose Bay is at the head of a narrow passage on the east side of Culross Passage directly across from Long Bay. The cabin is located near a small waterfall on the east side of the bay. Boats are not provided by the Forest Service. Parts of Goose Bay can be more challenging to navigate in low tide, especially the area in front of the cabin, which may get too shallow. High slack tide is ideal for boating. Be sure to check local tide reports prior to your arrival.Access via floatplane is approximately 45 minutes from Anchorage.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

What to Pack for Your Stay

Tuned to the live forecast for this park.

👔 What to Wear

  • 👕
    Long-sleeve shirt
    Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
  • 🧥
    Light shell or windbreaker
    Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
  • 👖
    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 GOOSE BAY CABIN

Heading to GOOSE 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 GOOSE BAY CABIN?

No central reservation system listed for GOOSE BAY CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232998) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to GOOSE BAY CABIN?

This Cabin is not accessible via the road system. Boat access: Goose Bay is approximately 25 miles southeast of Whittier in Prince William Sound. From Whittier Harbor, head east out of Passage Canal and across Port Wells. Head south into Culross Passage. Goose Bay is at the head of a narrow passage on the east side of Culross Passage directly across from Long Bay. The cabin is located near a small…