Koknuk Cabin

Summary

Koknuk Cabin is located on the Stikine River Delta, an ideal base camp for exploring the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. The cabin is accessible only by shallow-draft boat, and offers opportunities for kayaking, wildlife watching, and hunting. Amenities and supplies must be brought by guests. Recreational activities combined with natural wildlife make this a prime location for outdoor adventurers.

Overview

Koknuk Cabin is located on the west side of Sergief Island, on the Stikine River Delta, and makes an ideal base camp for exploring the surrounding Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. The delta tideflats provide for a different experience from the usual rainforest setting of Southeast Alaska and offer opportunities for paddling, wildlife watching and hunting. The site can only be accessed by a shallow draft boat, depending on conditions. The tide must be a minimum of 16 feet in order to access the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

The waters around the cabin are ideal for exploring by kayak or canoe during high tide. The Forest Service does not provide boats, and guests must also bring their own flotation devices. Tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion. This cabin is also in a prime location for waterfowl hunting in the fall.

Facilities

This 12-by-14 cabin (pan-abode style) was built in 1963 and has two single and two double bunks to sleep up to four people. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, an oil stove for heat and an outhouse toilet. A wooden cooler box is attached to the cabin for food storage. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is sometimes available from rainwater catchment, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not supplied by the Forest Service. In addition to bringing a supply of No.1 stove oil, guests should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to packout trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin is situated in the fringe between tide flats and the alder and willow trees. The surrounding area is relatively flat with grass, shrubs, willow and alder growing on the tide flats. Wildflowers are prominent in May and June. This area is home to brown and black bears, bald eagles, hawks and moose ( bear safety information ). The Stikine River tidal flats are a major stopover spot for waterfowl and shorebirds during the spring and fall migrations.