About PORT CHALMERS CABIN
Overview Port Chalmers Cabin offers guests access to a variety of recreational activities, relaxation and a unique lodging experience on Montague Island in southcentral Alaska. The remote site offers a scenic setting for hiking, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing all within steps of the cabin. Access to the cabin is by float plane or boat from Cordova, Seward or Whittier. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Anglers can fish for pink, chum, and coho salmon in the bay and streams around the cabin. Some pink salmon spawn in the tiny creeks around the cabin.The main spawning stream in the area is Chalmers River, about a mile to the north across the inlet. Chum and pink salmon can be found in this waterway. Rockfish and halibut can be found in kelp beds and on the rocky bottom area in the open ocean outside the bay. Hunters can take advantage of a long hunting season on the island and in the surrounding national forest. Bear season occurs during spring and fall, while deer season begins in late summer and lasts through late fall.Facilities The rustic, 12-by-14 cabin has wooden bunks, without mattresses, that can sleep up to six people. It is also equipped with a table, wood stove, oil stove, a rainwater catchment barrel, axe, saw, splitting maul and an outdoor pit toilet. The cabin does not have running water or electricity. Guests must bring their own water, food, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cook stoves, matches, cut firewood, cooking gear/utensils, a light source, No.1 stove oil, toilet paper, first aid kit and garbage bags Click here for more cabin details.Natural Features Montague Island lies in the Gulf of Alaska, at the entrance to Prince William Sound. The cabin is located in a grassy clearing at the edge of a dense spruce-hemlock forest interspersed with muskeg openings. It is considered to be within the tidal bay area at the southern end of Port Chalmers on the nort
How to Get There
Access to the cabin is by float plane (40 minutes from Cordova, 60 minutes from Seward) or boat (65 miles from Cordova, 70 miles from Whittier, 100 miles from Seward). Best access to the cabin is at high tide. Click here for local tide tables. Winter access may be difficult due to pan ice in the bay, and guests should be prepared for extended stays due to poor weather. Please contact the Cordova Ranger District at (907) 424-7661, for an update on conditions prior to arrival.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 4 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to PORT CHALMERS CABIN
Heading to PORT CHALMERS CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for PORT CHALMERS CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for PORT CHALMERS CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232982) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to PORT CHALMERS CABIN?
Access to the cabin is by float plane (40 minutes from Cordova, 60 minutes from Seward) or boat (65 miles from Cordova, 70 miles from Whittier, 100 miles from Seward). Best access to the cabin is at high tide. Click here for local tide tables. Winter access may be difficult due to pan ice in the bay, and guests should be prepared for extended stays due to poor weather. Please contact the Cordova R…
How do I contact PORT CHALMERS CABIN?
You can reach the park at phone: 1 (907) 424-7661.
References & Official Resources