Yakutat / Tongass National Forest

Italio River Cabin

Open — Open year-round. Reservations available through Recreation.gov. Access dependent on tidal conditions at the airstrip.

About

Italio River Cabin sits on the west bank of Hooligan Creek, approximately half a mile from the Old Italio River and the Gulf of Alaska, 30 miles southeast of Yakutat. This 14x20-ft. A-frame cabin sleeps six people with two single bunks and a sleeping loft, equipped with a table, benches, broom, and oil heater. Outside amenities include a picnic table, campfire ring, pit toilet outhouse, and a 12x12-ft. meat shed. The cabin is accessed by wheeled plane on a 1,600x100-ft. tidal flat airstrip that may flood during extreme high tides or heavy rains. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat and can get very wet, with predominantly brush vegetation, scattered willow and alder thickets, and cottonwoods. The Old Italio, New Italio, and Akwe River systems provide outstanding fishing opportunities for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, steelhead, and sockeye, pink, king, and coho salmon. Moose hunting ranges from good to excellent in the area. Visitors must bring their own drinking water, #1 stove oil for heating, sleeping bags, pads, cooking equipment, food, and other supplies. Large populations of moose and brown bears inhabit this area, with bald eagles, ravens, and gulls commonly observed. The remote location requires careful planning for weather conditions and tidal charts, as conditions can affect airstrip access and extended stays may be necessary due to poor weather.

Directions

Located 30 miles southeast of Yakutat on the west bank of Hooligan Creek. Access is by wheeled plane on a 1,600x100-ft. tidal flat airstrip. The airstrip may flood at extreme high tides or after heavy rains; consult tide charts before travel.

Nearby Campgrounds