Esker Stream Cabin
Built in 2002, Esker Stream Cabin is located near Yakutat, 20 miles (32 km) across Yakutat Bay in the southern coastal region of Wrangell-St. Elias Preserve, offering seclusion and relaxation. The cabin is accessible by air via beach landing in a wheeled airplane and is dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions. There is no Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) identifier or landing strip, nor good tie-down area for private aircraft. The cabin is located at sea level, surrounded by mature spruce and birch, and may include opportunities to see bears, moose, wolves, whales and shorebirds. Access to the cabin requires a short but unimproved 0.34 mile (.5 km) walk with a stream crossing.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗



Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Esker Stream Cabin | Partial | 4 / – | Yes | Basic |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Pets | Allowed |
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | Reservations required year-round with a user fee of $25 per night. Reservations can be made six months in advance of the requested dates. The maximum stay in the cabin is 7 days in a 30 day period. There are no discounts for cabin rentals with the NPS Park Pass or Golden Age Senior Pass. |
The cabin has no running water or plumbing. You may collect water from nearby Esker Stream, a short easy walk from the cabin. In winter, the park recommends carrying potable water since the stream may be frozen. The cabin contains four twin-sized wooden bunks (sleeps four people), a table with benches and an oil burning stove. The park recommends bringing your own subbly of kerosene or K1 commercial grade fuel. Please bring your own toilet paper.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
It is not possible to drive to the cabin. Esker Stream Cabin is located near Yakutat, 20 miles (32 km) across Yakutat Bay and is accessed by air via beach landing in a wheeled plane. There is no airstrip or FAA identifier; the fly-in access is a beach landing that is dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions.
| Nearest town | Copper Center, Alaska |
| Area | Recreation.gov lists no exact point for this campground. The recreation area is at 61.42° N, 142.60° W. Call the office before you drive. |
Good to know
- Heating oil is not provided.
- There is also a porch and a rustic pit toilet that is not regularly maintained.
Charges and cancellations
A $10 fee applies to change or cancel reservations.
Explore
Natural features
The cabin is surrounded by mature spruce and birch with Yakutat Bay nearby. The Malaspina Glacier is to the northwest of the cabin and other glaciers are located throughout the bay area, including the Hubbard Glacier. There are numerous streams, lakes, marshes and tidal flats in the area, and mountains of the Tongass National Forest can be viewed from across the bay.
Recreation
Opportunities for recreation include sea kayaking, whale watching, exploring and hiking around the cabin and the Esker Stream drainage, or walking on the beach southeast for three miles to Bancas Point. This is a remote, rugged area, dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions. Be sure you're familiar with backcountry safety before venturing out to hike. This cabin is located in the preserve, so sport and subsistence hunting is allowed. 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. ORVs are not allowed for recreational or subsistence use in the park and preserve in the Malaspina Forelands. Nearby Esker Stream is suitable for fishing. If you plan to fish, a State of Alaska fishing license is required.
Nearby
Although the cabin is remotely located, there may be opportunities to visit other attractions in Yakutat Bay, depending on your mode of transportation and experience level. The Malaspina and Hubbard Glaciers may be accessible, along with several other smaller glaciers. The Russell Fjord Wilderness of the Tongass National Forest is located across the bay from the cabin; all travel is dependent on tide and glacial ice conditions.
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Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Esker Stream Cabin?
Sites at Esker Stream Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Esker Stream Cabin?
Reservations required year-round with a user fee of $25 per night. Reservations can be made six months in advance of the requested dates. The maximum stay in the cabin is 7 days in a 30 day period.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Esker Stream Cabin?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Esker Stream Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Are pets allowed at Esker Stream Cabin?
Yes, pets are allowed at Esker Stream Cabin. Leash rules apply.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Esker Stream Cabin?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Esker Stream Cabin?
Opportunities for recreation include sea kayaking, whale watching, exploring and hiking around the cabin and the Esker Stream drainage, or walking on the beach southeast for three miles to Bancas Point. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Esker Stream Cabin?
Copper Center, Alaska. Although the cabin is remotely located, there may be opportunities to visit other attractions in Yakutat Bay, depending on your mode of transportation and experience level.
Source: Getting there
Which national park is Esker Stream Cabin in?
Esker Stream Cabin is a Wrangell - St Elias National Park & Preserve campground. Entrance fees, alerts, and hours are on Park Atlas.