Paulson Bay Cabin

Paulson Bay Cabin

About this campsite

Overview

Paulson Bay Cabin offers a secluded getaway for relaxation and recreation in the beautiful Prince William Sound. The cabin is open year-round and makes a great base for sea kayaking, fishing, shrimping and sightseeing.

This remote site can be accessed by float plane or by boat, depending on conditions. The cabin sits on a bluff and can be reached by some steps leading up from the beach. 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.

Recreation

Hiking in the area is fairly easy because there is relatively little brush to inhibit movement. A three-quarter mile route leads north from the cabin to the creek.

Guests can bring kayaks for exploring the coastline and the bay. Local tide reports should be consulted before any kayaking trip, and kayakers should watch out for the numerous submerged rock ledges in the area.

Fishing is good for chum and pink salmon, usually from late July through August. Guests can also catch shrimp and bottom fish. Hunting for bear and waterfowl is available in season with the proper permits.

Facilities

The 12 x 14 foot cabin sleeps six and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table with benches, and an oil drip (Kerosene) stove for heat, fire extinguisher, broom and an outhouse with composting toilet. It is the responsibility of cabin users to supply kerosene fuel for the duration of their stay. With moderate use, the stove burns about 1 gallon/ day.

A new Composting Toilet has recently been built. The toilet has a seperating toilet seat which redirects urine into a leach field. The outhouse has been converted to a composting toilet and requires the user to add a small amount of peat (1/2 cup) after use. There is a metal bin for users to burn their toilet paper, please burn tp.

Water and electricity are not available. Guests must bring their own supply of drinking water or treat water from nearby natural sources.
Items such as a cook stove, cooking gear, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, sleeping pads, trash bags and toilet paper and heating fuel (kerosene) are not provided.

Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving.

Natural Features

Paulson Bay Cabin is situated at the head of Paulson Bay, on the west side of Cochrane Bay in Prince William Sound. The terrain is rolling and transitions into rugged mountains. The cabin is set in an open wooded area with muskeg nearby and offers a spectacular view of Port Wells and College Fiord with Harvard Glacier in the background.

Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles make their home here (learn about bear safety). Prince William Sound supports abundant sea life, including waterfowl, sea otters, orcas, Dall's porpoises, harbor seals and sea lions.

Contact Info

This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.

Location

PAULSON BAY CABIN•AK

Explore on our map Get Directions Open in Maps

Weather Forecast

via Open-Meteo

THU🌨️

6° / 1°

💧 95%

TODAY🌦️

7° / -1°

💧 4%

SAT🌦️

8° / 2°

💧 100%

SUN🌦️

9° / 8°

💧 100%

MON🌦️

8° / 7°

💧 100%

Common questions about PAULSON BAY CABIN

Can you book PAULSON BAY CABIN online?

We hold no online booking link for PAULSON BAY CABIN, so it is not bookable through this page. For sites like this, turning up early in the day is the surest way to get a spot, particularly in peak season.

Where is PAULSON BAY CABIN?

PAULSON BAY CABIN sits in AK. The map on this page shows the exact spot, and the coordinates travel straight into your navigation app. Check road conditions before you set out if you are towing, since access tracks can change with the weather.

Nearby Campsites

within 50km

6.3 km away

SHRODE LAKE CABIN

Overview Shrode Lake Cabin is open year-round, offering the opportunity to enjoy both summer and winter recreation in beautiful Prince William Sound. The cabin is in a secluded location that provides a true backcountry experience. The site can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Those arriving by boat have two choices. The Long Bay trailhead is only accessible at very high tides and small shore-going boats (Kayak, packraft or Dinghy). It's about a 1 mile hike from salt water to the Cabin from the Long Bay trailhead. If accessing the Shrode Lake Cabin from the Three Fingers trailhead, larger boats can motor into the middle (of the three) finger and will see a trailhead sign at the head of the Bay. It's ~2 mile hike from Trailhead to the Cabin and requires a river crossing just before arriving to the Cabin. A third option (from the Three Fingers Trailhead) is to utilize the .5 mile Portage trail (between Salt Water and Shrode Lake) to carry a canoe, kayak or packraft. Then you'll have a ~2 mile paddle along the North shore of Shrode Lake to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements, safety, and must bring several of their own amenities including sleeping pad, sleeping bag, cook stove, kerosene fuel for the heat stove, cooking pots, toilet paper, utensils and some form of water treatment. Recreation Hike on the one-mile trail to Long Bay or hike to Jack Lake (no designated trail), which is a half-mile from the cabin. Three Fingers Cove to the west of Shrode Lake can be accessed via a two mile primitive trail that may require some route-finding skills. Note: This trail requires a substantial river crossing (Shrode River) before arriving at the Cabin. Depending on the water level Shrode River can be fordable in knee high rubber boots or completley unpassable (without a packraft or similar). Anglers can fish for sockeye salmon in mid-July, a relatively small run that passes through quickly. Abundant pink salmon are available from mid-July to mid-August, and silver salmon in late August. Fishing takes place in Long Bay (saltwater), the lagoon between saltwater and Shrode Lake, and the stream that drains Shrode Lake. Dolly Varden trout are available in Shrode Lake. Guests can use the small rowboat and oars provided by the Forest Service at Shrode Lake, but should bring their own personal floatation device. It is important to consult tide tables before boating in order to properly navigate the lagoon and avoid the numerous rock hazards in the area ( local tide tables ). In season deer and bear hunting is possible in designated areas with a permit. The terrain and amount of snowfall makes for excellent cross-country and backcountry skiing in the spring months. Facilities The cabin is a 16 x 16 foot A-frame with a main floor and a sleeping loft. It accommodates up to six people and comes equipped with wooden bunks, an oil drip (kerosene) heater, a table, benches, broom, fire extinguisher and an outhouse with a pit toilet. Water, electricity and fuel for the heater are not provided. Freshwater is available around the cabin, but it should be treated before drinking. Visitors are responsible for bringing their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (typically a gallon/ day is sufficent), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils. Visitors are responsible for packing out all trash and cleaning the cabin after use. Natural Features Shrode Cabin is situated on the northeastern shore of Shrode Lake, a freshwater lake near Long Bay, which is just off Culross Passage in Prince William Sound. Shrode Lake is separated from the saltwater Long Bay by a lagoon. The cabin is located

10.0 km away

GOOSE BAY CABIN

Overview Goose Bay Cabin is a great place for recreation, relaxation and sightseeing within the heart of western Prince William Sound. The Cabin was newly constructed in 2021 to replace the old Goose Bay Cabin which was unfortunately damaged by extreme snow loads. The A-frame cabin makes for an exceptional base camp for backcountry skiers in the spring months. A variety of activities exist in the core summer and Fall months as well, making this one of the more popular public use cabins on the Chugach National Forest. The Cabin is located on Chugach National Forest lands within the Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area. This remote site can be accessed by a 45-minute float plane trip from Anchorage or about a 25 mile boat ride from Whittier, depending on conditions. Given the fresh water sources feeding Goose Bay, the bay will freeze over in the winter months, making transportation to the cabin a challenge in the heart of the winter. Usually Goose Bay opens up in mid to late March, but this is very much dependant on temperatures. Cabin users are responsible for their own transportation 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. Recreation The area around Goose Bay offers year-round recreational opportunities. Hiking, kayaking and stand up Paddleboarding are popular summertime activities in and around the Cabin. The terrain on Culross Island attracts backcountry and cross-country skiers in the winter and early spring. A ski or snowshoe adventure to the high point on Culross Island offers spectacular views of Prince William Sound and the jagged, glaciated peaks of the Chugach Range to the North. Winter users: Please be aware and cognizant of avalanche hazards when recreating in snow-covered terrain. The cabin makes a good base for fishing and shrimping expeditions in and around Culross Passage. Black bear hunting in the spring and deer/ waterfowl in the Fall can be quite productive as well. Facilities The 16x16 foot A-Frame cabin sleeps 6-8 and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table, several benches, an oil drip (kerosene) stove for heat and an outside toilet. No electricity or running water is available. Guests are encouraged to bring their own supply of drinking water. A fresh water source is available at low tide near the Cabin. It is recommended to treat or boil any water from natural sources. Cabin users are responsible for providing Kerosene to use in the oil drip stove. The stove uses approximately 1-3 gallons/ 24 hour period if stove is kept on low. Please plan and budget fuel consumption accordingly. Items such as a cook stove, lanterns or flashlights, bedding, sleeping pads, cooking supplies, garbage bags, kerosene and toilet paper are not provided. All food, trash and supplies must be packed out. Guests are expected to clean/ sweep out the cabin at the end of their stay in proparation for the next group. Natural Features Goose Bay is located on the east side of Culross Passage within the Nellie Juan - College Fiord Wilderness Study Area. The cabin is tucked into a small lagoon within Goose Bay, on the western shore of Culross Island. Fragile muskeg, tall grasses and mature Spruce and Hemlock trees surround the cabin. Views from the front porch reveal a small waterfall and the gentle, evergreen-forested slopes across the bay. Visitors to the area may see bald eagles soaring overhead, catch a glimpse of a Sitka Black tail dear or a resident black bear ( learn about bear safety ). Lucky guests may spot Humpback whales, Orcas or Dalls porpoise frolicking in the waters of Prince William Sound on the approach to Goose Bay. Contact Info Thi

13.7 km away

Shotgun Cove Campsites

Several wood platforms for tent camping. Separated picnic site with bear box.

16.6 km away

PIGOT BAY CABIN

Overview Pigot Bay Cabin is tucked away in a secluded and picturesque area of Prince William Sound. It is open year-round, offering an ideal base for exploration, recreation and relaxation. The area can be accessed by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. The cabin is reached via a trail from the beach. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities including sleeping pad, sleeping bag, cook stove, toilet paper, cook pots and utensils as well as some form of water treatment. Recreation The topography is very rugged, which limits hiking in the area. Visitors can bring kayaks to explore the bay along the coast of Port Wells, but should consult the local tide reports in advance for their safety. Fishing is fair for pink salmon in late July and early August in freshwater streams and the saltwater of the bay. Saltwater fishing is possible for halibut and red snapper (rockfish) near Pigot Bay and the western shore of Esther Island. Pigot Bay also offers some good shrimping spots. Digging for butter clams is possible on the few gravel beaches at the head of the bay. Hunting for deer and bear is allowed in designated seasons with the proper permits. Blueberries and raspberries are also available for picking in season. Facilities The 16 x 16 foot A-frame cabin has a main floor and a loft. It sleeps six and comes equipped with wooden bunks, a table with benches, an oil drip (Kerosene) stove, fire extinguisher and a broom. Cabin users must supply their own kerosene fuel for the stove. Typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficent. A new Composting Toilet has recently been built. The toilet has a seperating toilet seat which redirects urine into a leach field. The outhouse has been converted to a composting toilet and requires the user to add a small amount of peat (1/2 cup) after use. Please burn your toilet paper to reduce the amount of trash in the system and promote efficient composting. The gravel area in front of the cabin has a small campfire ring. Water and electricity are not available. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water, especially since natural sources may be difficult to access. Any water from natural sources should be treated before drinking. Items such as a cook stove, cooking gear, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, sleeping pads, trash bags, toilet paper and Kerosene are not provided. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Natural Features Pigot Bay Cabin is located on a tall bluff overlooking Pigot Bay. The bay is mostly steep-sided, but has a wide, shallow outwash valley at its head. The cabin sits at the edge of a dense evergreen forest, offering views over the bay to the mountains and glaciers beyond. Black bears, bald eagles and waterfowl (mainly geese at the head of the bay) are common visitors to the area ( learn about bear safety ). Mountain goats are sometimes seen on the surrounding cliffs. Prince William Sound supports such species as Dall's and harbor porpoises, harbor seals, sea otters and sea lions. A lucky few may even spot a pod of orcas or a humpback whale. Contact Info This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242.

28.0 km away

WILLIWAW CAMPGROUND

Overview Williwaw Campground, an idyllic area, sits beside Williwaw Creek near the town of Girdwood, Alaska. The campground boasts prime fishing, hiking and wildlife watching all within the Portage Valley. Next to the campground is the Williwaw Salmon Viewing Area, a top-notch spot for salmon viewing. In August, visitors can see these fish spawning in impressive numbers through the translucent waters. The area is a great place to view numerous glaciated valleys and the Portage Glacier. Over the past 80 years, the glacier calved large icebergs into Portage Lake, located just east of the campground. Recreation Wildlife viewing includes moose, brown and black bears, mountain goats, lynx, bald eagles and wolves. The Williwaw Nature Trail can be reached from the campground. It heads to the Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform, passes under the highway bridge and follows Williwaw Creek to a series of ponds. The trail then connects to the Trail of Blue Ice, which accesses the Begich, Boggs Visitor Center. The Trail of Blue Ice is also popular among mountain bikers. Facilities Drinking water from hand pumps, vault toilets, picnic tables and a parking area are provided at Williwaw Campground. Campsites are nicely separated, but no electric hookups are available. Natural Features The campground sits in the Portage Valley of the eastern Kenai Peninsula in the Chugach National Forest. The Forest, spanning 5,361,803 acres is comprised of arid tundra wilderness, jagged mountains, deep fjords and glacier-fed rivers that surround the Prince William Sound. Nearby Attractions Consider visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Portage Glacier, the town of Whittier and Byron Glacier. Contact Info For local information, please call (907) 522-8368 or call (907) 288-3178 for general information.