Public Use Cabins

Question

Seeking recommendations of specific public use cabins for sometime this summer (exact dates flexible). Ideally, we two arrive in Anchorage, then get to a lift to/from the cabin via floatplane from Lake Hood(?) (will need floatplane operator recs too). A perfect cabin would be on a lake, have access to a rowboat and have terrain/undergrowth suitable for hiking. Fishing is not a priority. We have already stayed at some of the cabins on the Resurrection Pass Trail.

TIA!

Answer

For a summer Alaska trip with public use cabins accessible by floatplane from Anchorage, you have several excellent options. Since you are looking for lakeside cabins with rowboats and good hiking terrain, focusing on areas around the Chugach Mountains and other nearby wilderness is ideal. Floatplane operators from Lake Hood can provide access to remote cabins in these areas.

Recommended Public Use Cabins:

Russian River Cabin (Kenai Peninsula): Lakeside location with hiking trails nearby. Suitable for floatplane drop-off. Offers a rowboat and easy access to surrounding trails for moderate hikes.
Upper Trail Lake Cabin (Chugach State Park): Remote lake cabin with floatplane access. Excellent terrain for hiking with varied undergrowth and scenic views. Rowboat available for lake exploration.
Ptarmigan Lake Cabin (Chugach Mountains): Secluded cabin with access via floatplane. Lakefront location with rowboat and multiple day hiking opportunities in moderate alpine terrain.

Floatplane Operators from Lake Hood:

Rust’s Flying Service: Offers scheduled and charter flights to numerous remote cabins and lakes in the Anchorage area and Kenai Peninsula.
Alaska Float Services: Provides private floatplane charters to Chugach and Kenai backcountry lakes with experience in delivering guests to public use cabins.
Major Marine Tours & Floatplanes: Known for flexible scheduling and knowledgeable pilots familiar with backcountry cabin access.

Additional Tips:

Book cabins and floatplane charters well in advance, as summer is the peak season.
Confirm rowboat availability and ensure it is included in your floatplane drop-off arrangements.
Check for cabin amenities such as propane stoves or outhouses; some cabins are very rustic.
Bring proper hiking gear as terrain can vary from forested undergrowth to rocky alpine trails.

With these options, you can enjoy a tranquil lakeside stay with access to hiking and exploration while avoiding heavily trafficked areas. Public use cabins offer the perfect combination of seclusion and convenience for a floatplane-accessible Alaskan adventure.

Public Use Cabins

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