ALASKA—During the winter of 2011-2012, several powerful storms passed through south central Alaska, dumping more than 500 inches of snow in Prince William Sound and creating what became known as the “Snowpocalypse.” Several cabins were damaged, but the most severely affected was the popular Goose Bay Cabin situated on the Chugach National Forest Glacier Ranger District. The weight of the snow irreparably damaged the cabin’s structural integrity.

After nearly a decade of the cabin’s unavailability for public use, new construction became a reality through a partnership between the Chugach National Forest and the National Forest Foundation.

The Great American Outdoors Act funded the cabin demolition and debris removal in 2021. Soon thereafter, the National Forest Foundation contracted with Backcountry Builders LLC, a small business located in Cooper Landing, Alaska, to build the cabin. The new construction was funded by Rasmuson Foundation and the Forest Service through the Alaska Forest Fund. The new A-frame cabin was designed to better withstand heavy snow loads and other extreme environmental conditions at this location. 

This fall, Forest Service crews added the finishing touches, installing stairs, railings and interior furnishings. They also hardened a short, muddy section of trail leading from the saltwater drop-off to the cabin. The forest officially reopened the cabin to the public in October 2021.   

To celebrate the brand-new Goose Bay Cabin, the Glacier Ranger District sponsored a poetry contest, where participants composed a two-line couplet speaking to the special character of Prince William Sound. The winning poet received a free two-night stay at the newly constructed Goose Bay cabin in 2022. 

The winning entry embodies the unique character of Prince William Sound.

Whipped up winds and clouds evolve to sunshine and calm waters,

Revealing spectacular mountains, curious seals and lazy otters.

– Sheila Swanson, Anchorage, AK

Tucked into a small lagoon in western Prince William Sound within the Nellie-Juan-College Fiord Wilderness Study area, the cabin is popular among outdoor enthusiasts for its seclusion, wildlife viewing and as a base for fishing, hunting, exceptional spring skiing opportunities and water-related activities. Surrounded by muskeg and spruce and hemlock forest, visitors have a spectacular view of the forested slopes and waterfalls across the bay. 

Goose Bay cabin can be reserved up to 180 days in advance through www.recreation.gov.