There are many different public-use cabins and wilderness lodging around the Kenai Peninsula. This unique way to stay and play in Alaska is a great option for travelers who want have an off-the-grid experience. From yurts, to old historic log cabins, to newly-renovated lodges, there is something for anyone at any price range. These stays are usually located near trails, streams, lakes, the ocean and more, so you can pick a cabin perfect for what you are looking for. Most public use cabins are accessible year-round, however, private lodging can vary, so always call when booking. If you are visiting in the winter months, be extra prepared for weather conditions and the cold. True for all seasons, be sure to check what amenities are included in each cabin to be prepared. To stay comfortable in the winter months, it is recommended to bring extra fuel that is equipped for each unique cabin. Visit reserveamerica.com for a list of Alaska State Parks cabins, as well as recreation.gov for a list of Kenai Fjords National Park & Chugach National Forest cabins.
Explore public-use cabins and our member wilderness lodging providers around the Kenai Peninsula:
1. Caines Head State Recreation Site- Tonsina Cabin
Daily rate is $100 a night or $700 for the week. It books fast for the summer season, so reserve ahead!
The Tonsina Cabin, located in the Caines Head State Recreation Site, is a favorite amongst locals for its beautiful scenery and accessibility. It is open year-round. To get to this cabin you must hike the Tonsina Point trail, regarded as a moderate hike. It is around 4.2 miles (roundtrip!) and will bring you across over 750 feet of elevation before landing you on a beautiful beach surrounded by forest, mountains and ocean.
Once there, head south on the beach until you see the cabin situated on a small hill on the right. Look for the "Public-Use Cabin" sign along with an orange buoy. If you are approaching from the north at or near high tide, you might have to have to navigate around several "ghost trees" that are near the tidal area of the shore. You can get a free copy of a tide book at our Seward Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center office (2001 Seward Hwy).
Click here to learn more about the cabin's amenities, detailed directions, how to reserve and more.
Tonsina Cabin GPS coordinates:
- 60.02'27" N 149.26'41"W
Hikers walk along the beach near the Tonsina Public-Use Cabin.
2. Dale Clemens Public-Use Cabin
Daily rate varies from $50 - $70 total a night, depending on the time of the season.
The Dale Clemens Cabin is situated along the Lost Lake Trail, named for its stunning views of Lost Lake. It is open year-round. The trail alone is about 14.5 miles out and back, however, if you just want to hike to the cabin, it is located approximately 4.5 miles in via the summer hiking trail and 2.5 miles in via the summer route. (At milepost 3.68 the Clemens Cabin trail junction travels 1.4 miles south to the Clemens cabin).
Get to the trailhead by reaching Mile-5 (Rough Drive) on the Seward Highway, near the Bear Creek Fire Department. You will eventually reach a parking lot. The hike can be challenging, with steep inclines, especially in the beginning. However, it offers stunning panoramic views of Seward and Resurrection Bay. As you make your way through wildflowers, ripe berries, (or fresh snow, depending on when you visit!) you will eventually stumble upon the Dale Clemens Cabin. The rustic cabin is a great place to retreat to after a day of exploring the surrounding area and taking in the beautiful views. There is often wildlife near, so be sure to practice wildlife safety, hiking etiquette and always bring bear spray.
Click here to download a map of the Lost Lake Trail.
3. Kayaker's Cove
Prices range from $30 - $600.
Kayaker's Cove is a privately owned rental and is best suited for those looking for an extra adventure. It can accommodate up to 20 people, depending on the booking. It is definitely "off the beaten path" because it is only accessible by a boat. We recommend utilizing a local water taxi service to get there such as Alaskan Coastal Safari (Seward Water Taxi) and Miller's Landing.
Whether you're interested in hiking around the surrounding area, kayaking off the shore, watching the wilderness move through their natural habitat, or just relaxing in the sauna, Kayaker's Cove is sure to be an exciting experience for any traveler.
Kayaker's Cove is a secluded wilderness lodge, so keep in mind you will need to be extra prepared with a plethora of drinking water and food.
4. Moose Pass Adventures
Daily rates are $125/night in the summer and $89/night in the winter.
If you are looking to get out of Seward for the day, we recommend checking out the small, charming and historic town of Moose Pass.
While there, you may consider exploring the surrounding lakes and hiking trails.
Moose Pass Adventures offers yurts located on stunning Grant Lake, a 1 mile kayak and 1 mile hike from Moose Pass. It is operated year-round and can accommodate up to 5 people.
Depending on the season, you can snowshoe or kayak to the yurt, either with a guide or without.
Access to the yurt in the summer requires boating or kayaking to the trailhead. Walking across the railroad bridge is prohibited and the yurt is not accessible from the Upper Grant Lake Trail.
If accessing the yurt without a guide, they recommend that your group be comfortable with backcountry travel, kayaking in cold water, and camping in bear country.
This is the perfect getaway for both adventure and privacy.
Here is a list of what to bring to the yurt.
5. Granite Point Mountain Lodge
Prices vary depending on what cabin you stay at.
Granite Point Mountain Lodge is located just 15 miles outside of Seward on Resurrection Bay. The remote wilderness lodge sits atop a 150 foot cliff directly above the ocean, showcasing stunning views of the surrounding waters. In order to access the lodge you must ascend steep stairs (don't bring a suitcase!). It is recommended that travelers choosing this stay should be in suitable shape and children must be over 12 years of age.
You can access this unique way to stay via water taxi, helicopter, or rent your own boat if you want to do some fishing! Check out all of our transportation options by clicking here.
6. Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge
Prices start at $875 a person for a two night stay.
Discover Fox Island at the Kenai Fjords Wilderness Lodge, the only lodge on the secluded island. It operates during the summer season.
The journey begins with about an hour boat ride from Seward. Watch for marine life such as orcas, tufted puffins and seals. Fox Island has pebble beaches and clear waters with stunning scenery. The lodge also has views of Halibut Cove, where animals can be seen if you're lucky!
Meals and boat ride are included in the price of the stay.
There is a main lodge and eight waterfront cabins located right on the beach.
7. Orca Island Cabins
Prices range from $900 (for two people, $425 a person) - $4,000 a night that includes lodging, round-trip water taxi, use of kayaks, rowing skiffs and stand-up paddle boards, wet suits, fishing gear, binoculars and firewood for outdoor fire pits.
Orca Island Cabins is a collections of yurts located on a private island near Humpy Cove.
This "glamping" experience offers a unique way to explore the Resurrection Bay and surrounding islands. Each yurt accommodates 2-4 people and is equipped with eco-friendly solar panels.
Humpy Cove, named after Humpback Whales for the cove's unique shape of a whale's tail, is an inlet of Resurrection Bay.
Look for jumping salmon and lion's mane jellyfish in the surrounding bodies of water. Explore the island or practice your balance skills on a stand-up paddle board. End the day warming up by the fire, sharing stories about your adventurous stay.
8. Shearwater Cove
Prices average around $400 a person per night.
Shearwater Cove is an eco-lodge, "glamping" experience located 10 miles from Seward and is only accessible by boat. Lodging is only available during the summer season. They offer exclusive water taxi services for transportation to the yurt, including a scenic boat tour along the way! Keep an eye out for dall's porpoise, orcas and humpbacks!
Their yurts showcase amazing ocean-front views of Resurrection Bay and can accommodate up to 4 people. There is no food provided here, so make sure you are prepared ahead of time, although drinking water is available.
9. Fiddlehead Yurts
Daily rates are $150 a night on Airbnb.
Fiddlehead Yurts is an easily accessible yurt because it is located in town, yet still offers that "off-the-grid" sensation. The yurt is built under a canopy of forest, providing a secluded, private experience. The porch displays views of mountains, wilderness and summer sunsets above Exit Glacier. It can accommodate 2 people.
10. Bear Glacier Yurts
Daily rates are $2200 per yurt and include the helicopter ride to the glacier.
The journey to Bear Glacier Yurts is quite the Alaska experience! The yurts offer amazing views of the surrounding wilderness and floating ice.
The travel begins with a helicopter ride. If you are already planning a rise, you may want to expand your helicopter trip with Seward Helicopters and continue the experience with a night stay at Bear Glacier.
Take in the serene evening by a fire and watch and listen as the ice flows from the glacier.
This excursion is only for people 16 years of age and older.
The yurts can accommodate two people and have a Queen bed with propane heaters. Bookings include food and a helicopter ride.
Learn more about our wilderness lodging options here.