Martin Lake Cabin
MARTIN LAKE CABIN
Part of Chugach National Forest
Overview
Martin Lake Cabin offers guests a remote lodging experience in the Chugach National Forest in southcentral Alaska. Located on the northwest end of Martin Lake, 42 miles east of Cordova, the cabin offers guests year-round recreation and relaxation. Fishing, hunting and wildlife viewing are within walking distance of the cabin. Access to the cabin is by float plane only, typically 30 minutes from Cordova. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
Facilities
The cabin is a 16-by-20 foot rustic structure equipped with wooden bunks that sleep up to six guests. It is furnished with a table, benches, wood stove, oil stove, saw, axe, splitting maul, a rainwater catchment barrel and an outdoor pit toilet. The cabin does not have running water, electricity, cut firewood or heating oil. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water, firewood and #1 stove oil for the oil stove. Visitors must bring food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cook stove, matches, cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, toilet paper, a first aid kit and garbage bags. All trash and food must be packed out, and visitors are expected to clean the cabin before leaving.
Natural Features
The cabin is situated at the outlet of Martin Lake. At the front of the cabin, alder and willow marsh provide habitat for waterfowl. Mountain goats navigate the ridge line of steep mountains rising from behind the cabin.Sitka black-tailed deer, moose, black and brown bear are also abundant in the area. Learn more about bear and moose safety in Alaska.
Recreation
This cabin has some of the best fishing in the Cordova District, but it is also popular and reservations for the cabin need to be made early. The outlet stream is a good place to catch salmon and trout species. The inlet streams along the shore and at the far end of the lake are good places to fish for coho salmon. Dolly Varden follow the spawning salmon to eat any stray eggs. Cutthroat and rainbow trout hybrids are in the lakes and creeks in lesser numbers.A rowboat is available for cabin users; however, visitors may wish to rent a long shaft motor in Cordova to get to the far end of the lake. Visitors are responsible for bringing and using life vests.
Hunters can take advantage of a long hunting season in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through late fall.
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
- Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions; bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days
- Water is not available at this facility; visitors must bring their own for drinking, cooking and cleaning
- Visitors must store all food in the cabin and refrain from cleaning fish near the facility; carcasses must be thrown into the stream
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Same day reservations are allowed for this cabin
- Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) that limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person
- Contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661 for more detailed information about safety precautions
- Learn more about Chugach National Forest and Prince William Sound
- 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.
Martin Lake Cabin was rebuilt in 2024.
Notifications and Alerts
Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BOATING - Boating
Directions
Martin Lake Cabin is under reconstruction and unavailable for reservation at this time. When available access to the cabin is by float plane only, typically 30 minutes from Cordova. Float planes land on the lake next to the cabin. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible to float planes due to the frozen lake surface. Please contact the local Forest Service Ranger District office at (907) 424-7661 for information prior to making reservations for these periods.
Contact Information
Phone: 1 (907) 424-7661
PO BOX 280CORDOVA, AK 99574
