3 Best Hotels in Prince William Sound, The Kenai Peninsula and Southcentral Alaska

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.

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 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.