Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin

a cabin in a forest
Rustic accommodations await a traveler looking to step back into history.

NPS

Stay in a log cabin on Lake Clark and experience the history of the area. Go for a hike, appreciate incredible views, and put your feet up in a cozy cabin at the end of the day.
 
inside a wooden cabin with a wood stove, rustic table and chair
The interior of the Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin

NPS

A Place For Solitude
The Joe Thompson Cabin is a small two-room rehabilitated log cabin located on the north shore of Lake Clark, about 13 miles northeast of Port Alsworth. It stands in a semi-open clearing surrounded by a white spruce and white birch forest.

A historic trail attached to the Thompson Historic District connected Joe Thompson to his last prospecting site approximately one and one half miles to the east.

Know Before You Go
Facilities: The cabin is rustic and accommodates up to three people. It is equipped with a wood stove, table, chairs and a nearby outhouse. Sleeping accommodations are wooden bunks (two twin beds, bring your own pads). There is no electricity or running water at the cabin. Fresh water is available in the lake but must be treated.

Getting There: The cabin is 120 air miles from Anchorage and 13 miles from Port Alsworth. Visitors must arrange their own transportation. The cabin's coordinates are 60° 20' 52.86" N, 154° 02' 34.09" W.

Transportation: Cabin is only accessible by floatplane or boat; water taxis may be available from Port Alsworth. There are no mooring buoys at this location. For information, see our Directions page.

Price: $45 per night.

Stay Limit: The maximum consecutive stay limit is 5 nights for a limit of 21 nights in a calendar year.

Reservations: Reservations are required. Reserve online at www.recreation.gov
 
map of the portage creek trail showing private property on each side of the route
The Joe Thompson Public Use Cabin is on the north side of Lake Clark, 13 miles from Port Alsworth. The Portage Creek trail begins at the cabin and continues 3 miles to open tundra.

Cabin Rules and Other Considerations

  • Dogs are allowed at the cabin.
  • Please use wood sparingly for heating purposes only.
  • You are responsible for bringing your own cook stove, lighter, utensils, sleeping pads, bedding, toilet paper, drinking water, and/or means of treating drinking water.
  • Park regulations require all food, garbage, and other scented items be secured inside the cabin or the bear resistent container provided on site at all times because bears frequent this area. Food storage violations could result in immediate termination of the cabin reservation in addition to a fine.
  • Trash needs to be removed from the park. Pack out all trash and remaining food with you. There is no public trash collection in Port Alsworth.
  • No smoking in the cabin. All cigarette butts must be removed with garbage.
  • Fishing and hunting activities are allowed while based at the cabin in accordance with all state and federal regulations.
  • Please respect private property. Many local residents live a subsistence way of life. Their land, camps, fishnets, traps, and equipment are private property. Native Corporation lands and private property exist in the area, they are not open to the public.
 

 


More Nearby Things to Do

 
Trees reflected in an outlet of a lake surrounded by mountains
Priest Rock Public Use Cabin

Reserve an overnight stay in the Priest Rock Public Use Cabin.

An aerial image of Port Alsworth on Lake Clark
Things to Do in Port Alsworth

Port Alsworth is home to Lake Clark's Field Headquarters and the park's only established trail system.

Last updated: November 18, 2019

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Contact Info

Mailing Address:

PO Box 227
Port Alsworth, AK 99653

Phone:

907 644-3626

Contact Us