Sitka / Tongass National Forest

Starrigavan Creek Cabin

Closed — Open year-round with seasonal vehicle access restrictions. Drive-up access available May 1 through September 30 and Wednesday through Saturday from October 1 through April 30. Winter vehicle access depends on snow and ice conditions and host availability for gate management. When gates are closed, equipment must be packed in by non-motorized means with parking available near the recreation area entrance.

About

Starrigavan Creek Cabin is a drive-up log cabin constructed in 2008 from young Sitka spruce trees, making it the first young-growth cabin and first cabin within a recreation area in the Tongass National Forest. The cabin occupies an old campsite within the major camping loop of Starrigavan Recreation Area, situated next to Starrigavan Creek and surrounded by temperate rainforest of hemlock and spruce. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people with one single bunk over an accessible bunk on the main level and two double-size bunks in the upstairs loft. The main level features a table with benches, wood stove for heat, cooking counter, and basic amenities. No electricity or indoor plumbing is provided. A vault toilet is located 200 feet from the cabin and artesian well water is 300 feet away. Outside amenities include a picnic table, combination campfire ring and grill with log benches, and a bench overlooking the creek. The recreation area offers diverse forest, estuary, and marine habitats. Visitors enjoy saltwater and freshwater fishing, kayaking, photography, hiking on trails including the Estuary Life Trail, Forest and Muskeg Trail, and Mosquito Cove Trail. Wildlife viewing opportunities include brown bears, spawning salmon, bald eagles, great blue herons, river otters, and Sitka black-tailed deer. Access to Sitka is only by ferry or airplane; the cabin is a 2-minute drive from the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal or 7 miles from downtown Sitka.

Directions

Located 7 miles northeast of Sitka at the end of Halibut Point Road, about 3/4 mile from the Alaska Marine Highway ferry terminal. Access to Sitka is only by ferry or airplane. From the ferry terminal, turn left and drive 3/4 mile on Halibut Point Road. The Estuary Loop, where the cabin is located, is accessed from the last right turn before the end of the highway. From the airport, cross the O'Connell Bridge through downtown Sitka to the roundabout at Sawmill Creek Road and Halibut Point Road, turn onto Halibut Point Road and travel 7 miles north.

Nearby Campgrounds