June 2024 - Alyssa Petit

Why are Alaska Public Use Cabins so Awesome?

Complete with a Brief History, Valuable Resources, and Useful Tips

This may seem banal, but I wasn’t able to comprehend just how big and how wild the state of Alaska truly is until I shotgunned the facts. Alaska makes up just about 54% of the nation’s wilderness, with 60% of Alaska being designated National Park land. Around a third of the nation's coastal shoreline can be found in Alaska. Alaska is about a fifth as large as the rest of the United States.

Since the purchase of Alaska over a century ago, there has been a ubiquitous understanding of the importance of both protecting and experiencing as much of this 6,000,000 square miles of pristine wilderness. By exploring the history of recreation in Alaska, we can better understand why the public use cabins are so invaluable.

A Glimpse into the Rich History of Recreation in Alaska

To actually understand how much of an amazing asset these cabins are is to understand the distinctive nature of the history behind it. Public use cabins in Alaska are much different than anywhere else — of the 22 states that have public use cabins, most have electricity, running toilets, and are available by road. Unlike the lower forty eight, the cabins here were built primarily for recreation. To best understand why this is, one must understand the rich and unique history of this landscape.

Late 1800s

Alaska, at less than two cents an acre, was acquired from Russia in 1867. A few decades later, the Organic Act of 1897 established the National Forest Reserves, which improved and protected the forests in accordance to creating a sustainable and renewable supply of timber. Though not initially focused on recreation, this Act preserved the wild landscape, preventing a heavy industrial foot-print. 

In the years to follow, recreation in the Alaska national forests was encouraged but not managed. This land was still considered a resource rather than a place to play. It was the mining, timber, and fish industries that created camps and communities on this land, which would later become the original public use cabins. 

Early 1900s

The Great Depression brought about the need for inexpensive retreats for the working class people. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was founded, which created jobs during this hard time, as well as providing infrastructure for the purpose of recreation — roads, campgrounds, and recreation sites were developed and improved upon. Simultaneously, the federal government worked to attract people to Alaska, resulting in a population shift and necessitating further infrastructure and planning.

1940s & 50s

The construction of the Alaska Highway in 1942 connected Alaska to the lower 48, increasing tourism and the need for enhanced recreation management. Post-World War II, individuals sought an escape from reality, leading to a 92% rise in recreational use of National Forests. Not long after, Alaska officially became a state.

1960

The Multiple-Use Sustained Yield Act extended protection for renewable and sustainable resources beyond timber — now including range, water, recreation, and wildlife of the national forests.  This triggered the first wave of constructing recreation cabins in the Alaska Region.

These cabins were developed unlike those in the lower 48. Accessibility for family vehicles and RVs were the main concern of public use cabins elsewhere, but with Alaska’s lack of roadway systems, cabins were developed based on ideal locations near lakes, rivers, trailheads, and scenic landscapes.

1964

The Wilderness Act was passed, immediately designating 54 areas in 13 states as “wilderness.” This designation came with prohibition of activities that would impair the state of the wilderness, but does not limit activities such as hunting and fishing.

Many of the already established cabins were in these wilderness areas because road access was never a limiting factor. Unlike any of the other states with wilderness specifications, Alaska was allowed to continue to maintain existing public recreation cabins within the Wilderness, and even construct new cabins with limitations.

Present

Today, Alaska's public use cabins reflect a unique blend of history and wilderness experience. These rudimentary cabins, many positioned in remote locations, offer an unparalleled Alaskan experience. Unlike cabins in other states, they feature only essential amenities, providing a rustic appeal amidst a wilderness unlike any other in America.

For a more in depth history and information, read: Everyone’s Cabin in the Woods: Historic Context for Public Recreation Cabins in the Alaska Region 1960 - 1971

Using the Public Use Cabins

Choosing a Cabin

Selecting a cabin requires flexibility and planning. Availability varies, with some cabins being popular and booking quickly. Start your search with a specific factor in mind — such as location, activity, or preferred date. Ensure accessibility matches your preferences, some are located just off the road while others might be an overnight hike or fly-in. Additional considerations to make include making sure you’re prepared for variables such as distance, transportation, remoteness, wildlife, mosquitos, and heat source.

(Tip: toggle between the reservation listings (in Reserving a Cabin) and the Alaska State Parks website so you can see pictures, view an access point, and reference special notes about the cabin you’re interested in.)

Reserving a Cabin

Reservations can be made up to 7 months in advance, and payment at the time of booking is often required (payment goes toward the maintenance and preservation of the cabins and surrounding areas). Make sure to review the accessibility, amenities, rules and regulations, and gear needed for the cabin you are looking at.

Preparing to Go to a Cabin

Here are some helpful considerations to use when it’s time to prepare for your cabin experience

(Tip: review a blog or post of someone else who has stayed at your cabin. They may have a specific insite not found in general information elsewhere.)

  • Review your cabin amenities: stove, firewood, lodging accommodations, sitting areas

  • Review your travel plan: driving, hiking, backpacking, skiing, snowshoeing, kayaking, snowmobiling, or flying (consider printing off or downloading a map)

  • Prepare yourself for remote locations

  • Prepare your supplies: food, water, fuel, cooking utensils, clothes, bedding

  • Protect yourself: bug spray, bear repellent, handgun

  • Review cabin etiquette

Cabin etiquette

Respecting cabin etiquette is crucial. These cabins differ significantly from others, and their unique charm lies in their wildness. Adhere to Leave No Trace principles, review rules and regulations, and if canceling your trip, offload your reservation to benefit others.

  • Remember to Leave no Trace and to review the rules and regulations before your trip.

  • If you are going to cancel your trip for any reason, offload your reservation to make it available for someone else. 

In Conclusion

Alaska's public use cabins offer an extraordinary blend of history and wilderness, providing a unique and powerful experience for those who have lived here a lifetime or are venturing through. By understanding the unique history, making reservations, and embracing the wilderness with respect, you can unlock the true wonders of Alaska.

Additional Links and References

General Information

Cabin Etiquette