Jake's Bar Cabins

Jake's Bar Cabins
Jake's Bar Cabin #1 and Cabin #2

Location: These cabins are located in the Wrangell-St. Elias backcountry, on the north shore of the Chitina River about 15 miles south of McCarthy. Refer to USGS maps-McCarthy 1:250,000; McCarthy 1:63,360 (A-6). N61.223188, W142.891789

Reservations: No reservations are required. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Plan to take camping gear in case the cabins are occupied when you arrive. The maximum stay in the cabins is 7 days in a 30 day period.

Access: By boat on the Chitina River, or by aircraft via the nearby gravel airstrip. These cabins are accessible by airplane - you can arrange for an air taxi to access this area.

Description: There are two cabins available for the public to use, both situated at about 1000' elevation. There is no running water or plumbing. There is a rustic pit toilet located near both cabins. Please bring your own toilet paper, as the pit toilet is not regularly stocked or maintained.

Cabin #1 is 9 ft by 13 ft and includes:

  • two twin-sized wooden bunks (sleeps two people)
  • a woodstove

Cabin #2 is 6 ft by 9 ft and includes:

  • two twin-sized wooden bunks (sleeps two people)
  • a woodstove

Regulations: You must bring all personal belongings that you will require, including sleeping and dining equipment. Please clean the cabin and take all food and trash with you upon departure. Burying garbage is prohibited. Dogs are allowed, but please clean up after your pet. Please do not remove or relocate any artifacts or deface cabins or historic structures. There are numerous bugs in this area. Headnets and bug spray are strongly encouraged during June, July, and August.

Water & Firewood: Visitors may gather dead and down wood for firewood. Replenish any firewood stored in the cabin for the next user. Water can be obtained at a small spring located 100 feet downstream of the cabins, or by letting water from the glacially-silted Chitina River settle.

Recreational Opportunities: These cabins are located in a remote, rugged area. Make sure you're familiar with backcountry safety before venturing out to hike. There are no developed trails at Jake's Bar, but it is possible to hike up and down the river. Nearby Chitina River is not suitable for fishing and there are no other lakes or streams nearby. If you find a place to fish, a State of Alaska fishing license is required. These cabins are located in the preserve, so sport and subsistence hunting is allowed. Subsistence hunting is limited to local, rural residents. A State of Alaska hunting license is required and, if you are a subsistence hunter, a federal subsistence hunting permit may be required. Please refer to state and federal hunting regulations. These cabins are often used during hunting season. Plan to bring camping supplies in case the cabins are already being used when you arrive.

Airstrip: Gravel, Jake's Bar Airstrip (AKO)
CTAF 122.9
Elevation 1052'
N61° 13.12' W142° 53.39'
NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TRI-CYCLE GEAR AIRCRAFT
This airstrip is situated on the north shore of the Chitina River, about 15 miles south of McCarthy. Airstrip is 1000' feet long. Public tie-downs are available.
Information about Backcountry Airstrips in the Park

Further Information: Please contact the Wrangell-St. Elias Visitor Center or email us with questions about these cabins - we will put you in contact with a backcountry park ranger.

 
Jake's Bar Airstrip

Last updated: May 15, 2023

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway

Copper Center, AK 99573

Phone:

907 822-5234

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