Harrison Lagoon Cabin
Harrison Lagoon Cabin is open for year-round enjoyment, offering a variety of recreational opportunities on land and water. The cabin's remote location makes an ideal base for exploring the natural beauty of Prince William Sound. The Cabin is located on Chugach National Forest lands within the Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area.
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 including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cook stove, toilet paper, pots and utensils as well as some form of water purification.
The 16 x 20 foot cabin sleeps six and is equipped with wooden bunks, a table with benches, an oil drip (kerosene) stove for heat and an outhouse with pit toilet. Cabin users must supply thier own fuel for stove. Typically 1 gallon of kerosene/ day is sufficent.
Drinking water is accessible by kayak at Lagoon Creek or by walking south of the cabin along the shoreline at low tide. Water from natural sources should be treated before drinking.
Items such as a cooking stove and gear, lanterns, sleeping gear, toilet paper, kerosene and garbage bags are not provided.
Guests are expected to pack out their trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Notifications and Alerts
Harrison Lagoon Cabin is located roughly 10 miles from the potential Barry Arm Landslide. At this time, there is no indication that a landslide is imminent. However, landslides can happen at any time, and it is suggested that those who recreate in Prince William Sound remain vigilant, have several ways to receive emergency information, and be ready to move to high ground with little to no warning. Should this landslide fall into the water, it has the potential to generate a tsunami that could have devastating effects including demolishing the cabin. For more information please visit the Barry Arm Landslide and Tsunami Hazard website from the State of Alaska.
Need to Know
! USERS MUST SUPPLY THEIR OWN HEATING OIL ! 1-2 gallon(s) a day is the recommended amount but plan appropriately for cooler temps in Winter, Spring and Fall.
- 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; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from nearby sources only accessible at low tide or via boat
- Please pack out all trash and food
- A 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
- Please be aware of the risks of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) before harvestingany shellfish
- Click here for more information about Chugach 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.
Natural Features
Harrison Lagoon is located on the west side of Port Wells in Prince William Sound. The cabin is tucked into a stand of conifer trees on a gravel spit that separates the lagoon and the Sound. One side faces Port Wells, and the other faces the lagoon. The lagoon itself is surrounded by rocky shoreline and dense evergreen forest, with views of distant snow-capped mountains.
Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles make their home here (learn about bear
safety). The lagoon and Port Wells support many seabirds, Dall's and harbor porpoises, harbor seals, sea otter and some sea lions frequent the area. Orcas and humpback whales may be seen in Port Wells.
Recreation
Guests who have kayaks can use them for exploring the coast or crossing the lagoon, which offers more hiking possibilities than the area around the cabin. It is possible to walk the lagoon at low tide, but tide tables should be consulted to time the return hike at low tide as well.
It is also possible to access the Granite Mine Trail via a ~1mile beach walk South from the Cabin along Port Wells to the Granite Mine Trailhead. Again tide tables should be consulted and timed appropriately to avoid being stuck and unable to return to the Cabin in a given tide cycle.
Hunting for black bear and waterfowl is allowed with the proper permits in designated areas in-season. Fishing is fair for pink salmon in August, either in Lagoon Creek (inland from Harrison Lagoon) or in saltwater. Shrimping is also possible.
Berry pickers can harvest blueberries and salmonberries near the cabin when they are in season.
Contact Information
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145 Forest Station Road, P.O. Box 129 GIRDWOOD AK 99587
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-783-3242
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
This Cabin is not accessible via the road system. The cabin is on the west side of Port Wells, two miles north of Hobo Bay. It is accessible by float plane, 40 miles from Anchorage or 60 miles from Cordova, or by boat, 34 miles from Whittier.
The lagoon drains at low tide and should only be navigated by skiffs. Please consult local tide reports prior to arrival as they affect both transportation and recreation in the area.
The shoal to the east of the lagoon should only be used for short-term anchoring (unprotected). Boats are not provided by the Forest Service.
