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Accommodations in Alaska, particularly in the sparsely populated areas, can be quite rugged. You will find a lot of establishments have only shared bathrooms, and amenities such as a coffee pot, television, and Internet access are scant, although the latter is beginning to find its way even into remote villages. In the most rural of places it is not entirely unheard of to find no bathrooms in the establishment, but rather an outhouse or "honey bucket" out back. If such things are important to you, it's wise to inquire in advance.
Four public-use cabins are in Denali State Park, along the shores of Byers Lake. One cabin is on a gravel road, a mile from the highway, and the other three are accessible by canoe or by a half- to 1-mile trail. Cabins are equipped with bunks that sleep six, a wood stove, a table, and benches. You can reserve up to seven months in advance online.
Three public-use cabins are within Kachemak Bay's Halibut Cove lagoon area, another (called Sea Star) is near Tutka Bay lagoon, and a fifth is at China Poot Lake. All but the lakeside cabin are accessible by boat; China Poot can be reached only on foot from the boat landing on the beach or by floatplane to the lake. The cabin furnishings are sparse, but include wooden bunks and sleeping platforms, a table, and chairs; there's no running water or electricity. Four of the five cabins sleep up to six people (the other, the Overlook cabin at Halibut Cove, sleeps eight), and all can be reserved up to six months in advance. There are also yurts in the parks available through alaskanyurtrentals.com.
One of Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge's lesser-known wonders is its collection of nine fantastic cabins scattered throughout the refuge. If you've ever wanted to be off alone in the Bush but still have a roof over your head, this is the way to go. The cabins are accessible by floatplane or boat, and available for up to seven days in summer and for longer the rest of the year. Set along the coast and on inland lakes, the cabins are bare-bones but do include bunks (which do not come with mattresses), kerosene heaters (you bring in your own kerosene), tables, and benches. Most cabins hold six or eight people. Although they usually book up six months in advance, if you get a sudden impulse, it's always worth checking to see if one is available. The cabins on inland lakes are usually not accessible in winter, and it's important to remember that any time you fly into remote Alaska you should come prepared for delays getting back out. Pack extra food and supplies, just in case.
Commanding a dramatic view of Orca Inlet a few blocks from downtown Cordova, this turn-of-the-20th-century inn has three roomy suites and one "sleeping room" furnished with antiques. Owner Becky Chapek transports guests to and from the airport, where she operates Chinook Auto Rentals. If she doesn't have room for you, she'll suggest other places to stay.
This circa-1917 log roadhouse has a common sitting area and rooms of varying sizes. The accommodations include bunks, private rooms, a rustic cabin, a suite, and an apartment over the museum. Expect just the basics—bed, table, and window—and all the personality in the way the space creates a community centered on mountain life. Sizable breakfasts featuring sourdough pancakes from a 1902 starter and famous cinnamon rolls are served at the communal-seating restaurant. This is a popular place with locals and with climbers who use Talkeetna's air taxis to reach Denali. In winter, the café is open only on weekends and evenings.
The Cordova Ranger District of the Chugach National Forest maintains a series of simple backcountry cabins for rent. These cabins are very basic: four walls, a roof, a floor, wooden bunks, usually a woodstove, a table, benches, counter space for preparing meals, and a pit toilet out back. There's no bedding, cooking utensils, electricity, or running water. Most of the cabins are accessible only by boat or floatplane, although the McKinley Trail cabin is accessible by motor vehicle on the Copper River Highway. Two others can be reached by hiking from the road. Rentals are arranged through the U.S. Forest Service's website up to six months in advance.
Along trails, near wilderness alpine lakes, in coastal forests, and on saltwater beaches, these rustic cabins offer retreats for solo hikers or groups. Some cabins are built of logs, and some are A-frames. Most have tables, chairs, woodburning stoves, and bunks, but no electricity, running water, or bedding. Many require a fly-in or boat ride, although some can be reached by car and then on foot. If you're suitably equipped and sufficiently adventurous, these cabins are Alaska's best bargain for getting away from town and enjoying backcountry wilderness with a roof over your head.
The refuge's public-use cabins are in remote areas accessible only by air or boat. If you're willing to overcome these hurdles, you'll find tranquility and true wilderness, and you won't have to worry about your tent springing a leak.
