A Home in the WildernessStep into the home of one of Alaska's foremost wilderness icons, Richard L. Proenneke, who built his cabin by hand using his own clever innovations. Located on the south shore of Upper Twin Lake, Proenneke's wilderness home showcases his remarkable craftsmanship and reflects his unshakeable wilderness ethic. This page provides the information you need to plan your trip. ![]() NPS Photo / Kent Miller ![]() NPS/K. Lewandowski Getting to Upper Twin Flying to the Proenneke Cabin Air taxi prices depend on group size, type of airplane, length of flight, and where the flight originates. Contact each air taxi operator directly to determine availability and the cost for your trip. Latitude/Longitude ![]() NPS/T. Vaughn Operating Hours and Seasons The Cabin Late May - End of August Late September - Late May Camping April 15 - September 30 ![]() NPS/K. Lewandowski Backpacking and Camping Backpacking Camping within the National Historic Register boundaries and sleeping in or occupying the cabin, cache, or woodshed is prohibited by law. Bear resistant food containers (BRCs) are required when camping within half a mile of the shoreline along Upper and Lower Twin Lake or in any location where food cannot be hung at least ten feet above the ground and four feet horizontally from a post, tree trunk, or other object on a line or branch that will not support a bear’s weight. Trees large enough to properly hang food are rare in this area; therefore, we highly recommend that all campers not staying at Hope Creek campsite bring enough BRCs to store all food, garbage, harvested fish, and other scented items. BRCs may be borrowed from the visitor center in Port Alsworth or rented from a variety of outdoor gear shops in Anchorage.
Alaska's DifferentBackpacking in AlaskaCamp at the Hope Creek Campsite Lodging and Guided Camping Trips Click the link above to see a list of all the companies that are permitted to operate in the park. Contact each company directly to determine the cost for your trip. NPS/L. Rupp Protecting a Treasure Help us protect Dick Proenneke's cabin so that generations of visitors will be able to experience what it has to offer. Leave everything you find behind. Removal of artifacts from public land is prohibited by law.Please stay on the trails. The tundra is fragile. Even Dick Proenneke admonished his guests to stay on his trails to protect the vegetation. Be gentle with the door. The handcrafted door mechanisms are fragile and have been repaired. Camp at the Hope Creek campsite or on other durable surfaces in the Twin Lakes area so that others may also enjoy the cabin. Camping within the National Historic Register boundaries and sleeping in or occupying the cabin, cache, or woodshed is prohibited by law (36CFR13.126). Build fires in the fire ring at the Hope Creek campsite or use personal camp cook stove outside. Fires are not allowed in the stove, fireplace, or any other location within cabin or other historic structures. Eat and prepare food outside. In order to maintain the integrity of the historical items in the cabin and other structures, we ask that you please cook and eat outside. Many visitors enjoy the view from the beach in front of Proenneke's cabin during their lunch break. Report any damage or suspected violation to the National Park Service at (907) 781-2218. Damage to the site including the structures, furnishings, and fixtures is prohibited by law (36CFR2.1).Thank you for your assistance!
Staying Safe There are a few amenities and regulations at the Proenneke site designed for your safety.
![]() Staying Safe in Bear CountryYou may encounter either brown or black bears during your trip to Twin Lakes. Learn how to stay safe. ![]() Fishing in Bear CountryBecome familiar with the responsibilities that come with fishing in bear country prior to your trip to Twin Lakes. ![]() Learn about the Proenneke CabinProenneke's cabin at Upper Twin Lake stands out for the remarkable craftsmanship that reflects his unshakable wilderness ethic. ![]() Things to Do at Upper Twin LakeExplore all that the dramatic landscape around Upper Twin Lake has to offer ![]() Explore Lake Clark's Museum CollectionView Lake Clark's entire online museum collections which includes some of Richard Proenneke's belongings. ![]() Proenneke: the Man, the Myth, the LegendThe source of Sam Keith's book "One Man's Wilderness: An Alaskan Odyssey," Proenneke embodies humanity's fascination with wilderness. ![]() Richard Proenneke Journal CollectionsProenneke was a tireless writer, documenting his observations in a series of journals that span nearly 30 years. ![]() Proenneke's Wilderness EthosFrom hunter to conservationist - explore the evolution of Richard L. Proenneke's wilderness ethos. |
Last updated: February 10, 2020