Shelikof Cabin

About

Shelikof Cabin sits at the edge of spruce-hemlock forest overlooking the expansive sandy beaches of Shelikof Bay on Kruzof Island's west coast in the Gulf of Alaska. The A-frame cabin was built in 1991 by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Sitka and offers spectacular ocean views of the rolling surf. Brown bears frequent the area, and the relatively flat, easy terrain surrounding the cabin provides excellent opportunities for beachcombing and exploration. The rustic cabin measures 16x16 feet with a tip-out dining area and sleeping loft reached by vertical ladder. Amenities include a plywood bunk bed, table with benches, wood stove for heat, cooking counter with cupboard, and an outhouse. A spring located 1/4 mile from the cabin provides water that must be treated before use; visitors should bring their own drinking water. Visitors must also bring sleeping pads/bags, cooking stove and utensils, food, toilet paper, lantern, garbage bags, and fire starter. Access to Shelikof Cabin requires careful planning around tides. The cabin can be reached by helicopter or wheeled plane landing on the beach during low tide, or by boat from Sitka (45 minutes to Mud Bay on the east coast of Kruzof Island) followed by a 7-mile hike on Kruzof Island Road and Shelikof Trail. ATV access is permitted as far as Iris Meadows, approximately 1.4 miles from the cabin. Crossing the meadows is easier during lower tides of 6 feet or less.

Directions

Located 20 miles northwest of Sitka on Kruzof Island's western shore in the Gulf of Alaska. Access by helicopter or wheeled plane landing on beach at low tide. Alternatively, take a 45-minute boat ride from Sitka to Mud Bay, then hike 7 miles on Kruzof Island Road to the T-junction at Iris Meadows. Turn left toward Shelikof Trail, cross the footbridge, and parallel the Shelikof River through meadows on the south side to a large diamond trail marker at the forest edge. Follow Shelikof Trail inside the timber along the forest edge to the cabin. Meadow crossings are easier at tides of 6 feet or less. USGS topographic maps: Sitka A-5, A-6.