Facility Details - STEAMER BAY CABIN, AK

Overview

Steamer Bay Cabin was built in 1992 and is on the northwest corner of Etolin Island on the east side of Steamer Bay. It offers a secluded retreat year-round for recreational use and relaxation in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage.

The site can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits near a gravel beach and overlooks Steamer Bay and Clarence Strait, as well as large rock outcroppings, a grassy estuary and tidal flats.

The surrounding terrain is mountainous and densely forested with Sitka spruce and western hemlock rainforest. Muskeg is also common in the area.

Brown and black bears, porcupine, deer, waterfowl, porpoises, whales and other marine life are commonly seen in the area (learn about bear safety). Roosevelt elk were introduced here and thrive on Etolin Island.

Recreation:

Saltwater fishing for King salmon is possible from May through July, silver salmon in August and September, and halibut from June through September. Dolly Varden and pink salmon (July through August) are available in nearby Porcupine Creek.

Steamer Bay offers opportunities for crabbing, as well as digging for clams and abalone. The gravel beach, nearby islands and rocky shorelines invite beachcombing.

The surrounding area can be explored on foot or by water, but tide tables should be consulted before any boating, kayaking or canoeing excursion.

Facilities:

The 20-by-20 cabin (modified A-frame style) has two single bunks (one with a trundle bed) and a partial loft, to sleep up to seven people. It is also equipped with a table with benches, wood stove for heat, fire grill, splitting maul, broom, outhouse and a woodshed stocked with firewood.

A partially covered deck wraps around three sides of the cabin, and a wooden cooler box is provided for food storage. There is also a mooring buoy anchored in the bay west of the cabin for use by cabin guests only. The cabin is fully accessible and includes a wheelchair ramp from the beach to the cabin.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a small stream, but guests should be sure to treat water taken from any outside source prior to consumption (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Cooking facilities are not available. Guests may want to pack a cook stove, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Accessible Sites Accessible Walkways Bay Access Beach Beachcombing Birding Broom & Dust Pan Cabin Rentals Canoeing Clam Digging Crabbing	Firewood Fishing Food Storage Locker Grills Hiking Hunting Kayaking Outhouse Table & Chairs Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
Water is not available at the cabin; please bring drinking water or be prepared to treat water taken from natural sources before use
There is no cell phone service at the cabin
Please pack out all trash and food
Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in this area
Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
56.165, -132.68917
56°9'54"N, 132°41'21"W

Steamer Bay Cabin is located on the northwest corner of Etolin Island on the east side of Steamer Bay. The cabin is accessible by boat or float plane only, and is 27 miles by boat or 25 miles by air from Wrangell.

Use caution when anchoring the boat due to the rocky shoreline. Check local tide tables to determine the best time for arrival and departure, ideally at high slack tide. There is a mooring buoy anchored in the bay for cabin guests only.