Esker Stream Cabin

Built in 2002, Esker Stream Cabin is located near Yakutat, 20 miles (32 km) across Yakutat Bay in the southern coastal region of Wrangell-St. Elias Preserve, offering seclusion and relaxation. The cabin is accessible by air via beach landing in a wheeled airplane, dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions; there is no Federal Aviation Administration identifier or landing strip, nor good tie-down area for private aircraft. Access to the cabin requires a short but unimproved 0.34 mile (0.5 km) walk with a stream crossing. Off-road vehicles are not allowed for recreational or subsistence use in the park or preserve in the Malaspina Forelands. The cabin has no running water or plumbing. It contains four twin-sized wooden bunks (sleeps four people), a table with benches and an oil burning stove. Heating oil is not provided, and the park recommends bringing your own supply of kerosene or K1 commercial grade fuel. There is also a porch and a rustic pit toilet that is not regularly maintained — please bring your own toilet paper. You may collect water from nearby Esker Stream, a short easy walk from the cabin; in winter, the park recommends carrying potable water since the stream may be frozen. Opportunities for recreation include sea kayaking, whale watching, exploring and hiking around the cabin and the Esker Stream drainage, or walking on the beach southeast for three miles to Bancas Point. This is a remote, rugged area, dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions, so be sure you're familiar with backcountry safety before venturing out to hike. The cabin is located in the preserve, so sport and subsistence hunting is allowed: a State of Alaska hunting license is required, and subsistence hunters may also need a federal subsistence hunting permit. Nearby Esker Stream is suitable for fishing, and a State of Alaska fishing license is required. The cabin is located at sea level, surrounded by mature spruce and birch with Yakutat Bay nearby, and may include opportunities to see bears, moose, wolves, whales and shorebirds. The Malaspina Glacier is to the northwest of the cabin and other glaciers are located throughout the bay area, including the Hubbard Glacier. There are numerous streams, lakes, marshes and tidal flats in the area, and mountains of the Tongass National Forest can be viewed from across the bay. Although the cabin is remotely located, there may be opportunities to visit other attractions in Yakutat Bay, depending on your mode of transportation and experience level. The Malaspina and Hubbard Glaciers may be accessible, along with several other smaller glaciers. The Russell Fjord Wilderness of the Tongass National Forest is located across the bay from the cabin; all travel is dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions.