Taku Glacier Cabin

TAKU GLACIER CABIN

Part of Tongass National Forest

Overview

Taku Glacier Cabin is open for year-round relaxation and recreation in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage. The cabin is in a prime location for glacier viewing and wildlife watching, offering access to many recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane, motor boat or kayak, depending on conditions. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

Facilities

This 14 ft. by 16 ft. cabin is pan-abode style and sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, a broom, an oil heater and, food preparation space. A picnic table is provided on the large front deck. The cabin is fully accessible and features wheelchair ramps between the beach, cabin and outhouse. It requires a 16' tide to directly access the wheelchair ramp from the beach Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided. Visitors must bring a supply of #1 diesel oil or kerosene (a gallon per day on lowest setting), in addition to sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are also expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The terrain surrounding the cabin site is a marsh estuary and sand beach with old-growth spruce immediately adjacent to the cabin. The background area is a lightly forested bedrock hillside with steep canyons and cliffs. The cabin offers views of Taku Inlet, nearby snow-capped peaks and both the Taku and Norris Glaciers. This area is home to grizzly and black bears, moose and mountain goats. Eagles nest near the cabin every year.

Recreation

Visitors can explore the area in a canoe or kayak in deeper tides ( local tide charts ). The Forest Service does not provide boats or flotation devices. Salmon fishing is possible in Taku Inlet. Hiking is possible, but there are no developed trails around the cabin. The terrain offers opportunities for novice and experienced hikers. Guests can pick fresh blueberries around the cabin during the summer. Hunting for bear, moose or mountain goat is allowed in designated seasons with a permit.

Important Notices

  • 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
  • High winds often prevent access in Taku Inlet
  • Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
  • Please pack out all trash and food
  • Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
  • During summer months, the area is a travel corridor for boats and aircraft, so cabin users should expect some noise
  • Due to the proximity of an eagle nest, cabin permit holders are not allowed helicopter access to the immediate vicinity of the cabin from March 1 to August 31
  • High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in this area
  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • The invasive European Green Crab (EGC) has been found in southern Southeast Alaska and is suspected to be in more locations on the Tongass National Forest. Please actively look for and report EGC to help map the distribution and contribute to management.

Available Activities

  • WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
  • HUNTING - Hunting
  • HIKING - Hiking
  • FISHING - Fishing
  • CAMPING - Camping
  • BOATING - Boating

Directions

The cabin is located 26 miles northeast of Juneau on the east shore of Taku Inlet. Access is by motor boat or float plane. Access with an inboard/outboard boat is possible but requires a high tide approach during a large tide cycle. A tide of at least 12 feet is recommended for shallow draft boats to reach the cabin; please check tide charts in advance. The cabin is approximately a mile south of Taku Point and 2.2 miles north of Davidson Creek, directly across the inlet from Grizzly Bar.

Contact Information

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
JUNEAU, AK 99801

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