Shrode Lake Cabin

The feel

The 16 x 16 ft A-frame cabin sits on the northeastern shore of Shrode Lake, a freshwater lake near Long Bay off Culross Passage in Prince William Sound. It stands in an open grassy and muskeg area with evergreen forest nearby, and the front overlooks the lake and the surrounding mountains.

There is a sleeping loft and an oil heater inside. Reaching it takes some effort: a one-mile trail from Long Bay, a two-mile hike from the Three Fingers trailhead that ends with a crossing of Shrode River, or a floatplane flight.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One 16 x 16 ft A-frame cabin with a sleeping loft, wooden bunks, an oil heater and an outhouse, sleeping up to 6. The front looks over the lake and mountains.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are at 12:00 PM.

Fees and reservations

$60/night. Reserve up to 180 days in advance on Recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777.

Hazards

The Long Bay trailhead is very tidal dependent, and numerous rock hazards lie in the channel and lagoon. From Three Fingers, the Shrode River crossing just before the cabin is challenging.

Bathrooms and water

Outhouse at the cabin. No drinking water: bring your own and treat water from natural sources.

Season and access

Open year-round. Not reachable by road. Floatplane is 45 minutes from Anchorage or 55 minutes from Cordova, though a frozen lake can block it; ice has been seen on Shrode Lake as late as July. By boat it is 25 miles from Whittier into Long Bay, then a one-mile hike.

Mingo says

Time a floatplane trip for after the lake thaws, which can run into July. Reach Long Bay at high tide with a small boat.

Before you go

• Bring kerosene fuel for the heat stove, plus a cook stove, cooking pots, utensils and toilet paper.
• Pack a sleeping pad, a sleeping bag and water treatment.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 or the air taxis in Anchorage and Cordova before reserving in the frozen-lake months.

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