Harrison Lagoon Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance. Check-in and check-out time is 12:00 p.m. Inclement weather may cause unexpected trip extensions; bring 2-5 days of extra supplies.

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From Recreation.gov

Harrison Lagoon Cabin is located roughly 10 miles from the potential Barry Arm Landslide. At this time, there is no indication that a landslide is imminent. However, landslides can happen at any time, and it is suggested that those who recreate in Prince William Sound remain vigilant, have several ways to receive emergency information, and be ready to move to high ground with little to no warning. Should this landslide fall into the water, it has the potential to generate a tsunami that could have devastating effects including demolishing the cabin. For more information please visit the [Barry Arm Landslide and Tsunami Hazard][1] website from the State of Alaska. [1]: https://dggs.alaska.gov/hazards/barry-arm-landslide.html

Small Craft Advisory issued December 29 at 3:19PM AKST until December 31 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

3:19 PM — December 30th, 4:30 AM

Coastal Waters Forecast for the Northern Gulf of Alaska Coast up to 100 nm out including Kodiak Island and Cook Inlet. Wind forecasts reflect the predominant speed and direction expected. Sea forecasts represent an average of the highest one-third of the combined wind wave and swell height. .TONIGHT...NE wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft. Widespread rain and snow showers. .TUE...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft. .TUE NIGHT...NW wind 30 kt. Seas 7 ft. .WED AND WED NIGHT...N wind 25 kt. Seas 4 ft. .THU...N wind 20 kt. Seas 4 ft. .FRI THROUGH SAT...N wind 15 kt. Seas 3 ft.

Small Craft Advisory issued December 29 at 3:19PM AKST until December 30 at 5:00AM AKST by NWS Anchorage AK

3:19 PM — December 30th, 4:30 AM

About

Harrison Lagoon Cabin is a year-round Forest Service rental cabin located in one of the most remote and scenic areas of Prince William Sound within the Nellie Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study Area. The 16' x 20' wood cabin sits on a gravel spit between Harrison Lagoon and Port Wells, offering views of both the lagoon and the Sound, surrounded by dense conifer forest and distant snow-capped mountains. The cabin accommodates up to 6 people with wooden bunks, a table with benches, and a kerosene oil drip stove for heat (guests must bring their own fuel, approximately one gallon per day). Accessible only by floatplane (40 miles from Anchorage or 60 miles from Cordova) or boat (34 miles from Whittier), this location requires careful planning around tidal conditions as the lagoon drains at low tide and should only be navigated by skiffs. The cabin is located approximately 10 miles from the Barry Arm Landslide site, though there is no indication that a landslide is imminent. Visitors should remain vigilant and be prepared to move to high ground with little warning should a tsunami event occur. Recreational opportunities include kayaking in Port Wells and across the lagoon, fishing for pink salmon in August, shrimping, hunting for black bear and waterfowl in season, and berry picking. The Granite Mine Trail can be accessed via a one-mile beach walk south from the cabin, though tide timing is critical. Wildlife is abundant, including black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, bald eagles, harbor seals, sea otters, sea lions, and occasional sightings of orcas and humpback whales. The cabin features a new composting toilet with pit-style facilities. Guests must bring all supplies including sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stove, cooking gear, lanterns, bedding, toilet paper, kerosene, and garbage bags, and must pack out all trash.

Directions

Not accessible via road system. Located on the west side of Port Wells, two miles north of Hobo Bay. Accessible by floatplane (40 miles from Anchorage or 60 miles from Cordova) or by boat (34 miles from Whittier). The lagoon drains at low tide and should only be navigated by skiffs. Consult tide tables before arrival as tides affect both transportation and recreation. The shoal east of the lagoon is unprotected and suitable only for short-term anchoring. Boats are not provided.