Harrison Lagoon Cabin

The feel

The 16 x 20 ft cabin is tucked into a stand of conifers on a gravel spit on the west side of Port Wells, two miles north of Hobo Bay. One side faces Port Wells and the other faces the lagoon. The setting is sea level, wet, windy and cool.

The lagoon is ringed by rocky shoreline and dense evergreen forest, with views of snow-capped mountains. Black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer and bald eagles live here, and orcas and humpback whales may be seen in Port Wells. Blueberries and salmonberries can be picked near the cabin in season.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One 16 x 20 ft cabin sleeping up to 6, with wooden bunks, a table with benches, an oil drip kerosene stove and an outhouse with a pit toilet. It sits on a gravel spit between the lagoon and Port Wells.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are at 12 p.m.

Fees and reservations

$75 per night. Reserve up to 180 days ahead on Recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777.

Hazards

The lagoon drains at low tide and suits only skiffs. The shoal east of the lagoon is unprotected and fit only for short-term anchoring. Weather may extend your stay.

Bathrooms and water

No running water, so bring drinking water or boil surface water 5 minutes before drinking it. The toilet is a pit toilet in the outhouse.

Season and access

Open year-round. Not reachable by road. A floatplane is 40 miles from Anchorage or 60 miles from Cordova, and by boat it is 34 miles from Whittier. The cabin is listed as an ADA accessible public use cabin, reached by floatplane or boat.

Mingo says

Take a skiff into the lagoon only when the tide allows, and check tide reports first. Pick a calm day for it, since the setting is windy.

Before you go

• Bring your own kerosene, typically one gallon a day, and a cooking stove.
• Pack sleeping pads, sleeping bags and water purification, since mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils and cut firewood are not provided.
• Carry extra supplies for 2 to 5 days in case weather holds you.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.