A
Available
R
Reserved
Selected
Activities & Amenities
Site Details
Site Reserve TypeSite-Specific
Site AccessHike-In
Checkin Time12:00 PM
Checkout Time12:00 PM
Type of UseOvernight
Minimum Number of People1
Maximum Number of People6
Pets AllowedY
Driveway SurfaceGravel
Waterfront60
Grills/Fire RingY
Looking For CategoryCabin and Lodging
Proximity to Drinking Water10560
Distance from Trailhead10560
Equipment Length16
Heating Supply SourceBring Your Own
Primary Heat SourceKerosene
Proximity to Restrooms10
Waterfront SettingOceanfront
Site
- The Tonsia Public Use Cabin is located in the Caines Head State Recreation area, approximately two miles from the Lowell Point State Recreation Area parking lot. The cabin can also be accessed via boat, but boaters should use caution during negative tides as the landing can be very shallow and muddy.
Hikers do not need to be concerned about tides.
To get to the Tonsina Cabin, follow the Tonsina Point trail from the upper parking area at Lowell Point State Recreation area to the first bridge at the north fork of Tonsina creek (1.7mi.). After crossing the bridge, the trail veers right and enters a large forested tidal/flood plain crossing a series of boardwalks that lead to the second large bridge, which spans the south fork of Tonsina creek. Continue across the second bridge passing the day-use area on the right and follow the trail out onto Tonsina beach (.3mi).
Head south on the beach to the extreme southern end of the greater Tonsina creek alluvial fan (.1mi). If you are approaching the cabin from the north at or near high tide one may have to navigate around several "ghost trees" (remnants of the 1964 earthquake) that litter the tidal zone in this area.
As the ghost trees end, the steep mountainside to the west will begin to pinch the beach down and a large cut-bank begins to form on the right. The cabin is perched on a small forested hill atop this cut-bank. There is a "Public-Use Cabin" sign along with an orange buoy attached to an old growth tree where the cut-bank begins and the short trail to the cabin starts.
Tonsina Cabin GPS coordinates:
60.02'27" N 149.26'41"W
The most reliable water source near the cabin is the south fork Tonsina creek. A seasonal spring near the cabin may be available. Be sure to filter or boil water. Parks staff cut and flagged a trail to the small spring north (toward Seward) of the cabin and latrine. The trail starts down the small hill past the latrine and meanders approx. 350' to the base of the steep mountainside and the bottom of the small drainage. Look for orange flagging and trail markers. Also, one may have to follow the spring uphill to find flowing water depending on seasonal conditions.
During tide cycles greater than +11 feet, the Tonsina cabin can not be accessed and visitors may have to wait for the tide. The trail does not continue south in anyway through the forested area in front of or beyond the Tonsina cabin. The short spur trail leading up to the cabin from the beach has eroded away due to recent storm surges and a new access point will be constructed this summer. Please use caution when accessing the cabin from the beach.
The cabin sleeps six people and has a total of two bunk beds.
Heat, the stove is an oil heater and can only take kerosene or diesel fuel purchased at the pump, no exceptions. The kerosene stove burns approximately .13 gallons an hour. Please plan accordingly during winter months as the cabin will take longer to warm-up.
A smoke alarm/ carbon monoxide detector and fire extinguisher are onsite. Bring your own AA's for the alarm.
Outhouse on site.