Softuk Bar Cabin

General Information

Cabin is located 45 miles southeast of Cordova on Softuk Bar on the Gulf of Alaska. Access by wheel plane only at low tide (25 mins. from Cordova). Please consult local tide tables. Click here for local tide information. (Click Predictions for Wingham Island, Controller Bay in the Gulf of Alaska.) Refer to USGS topographic map Cordova A-2.

Located on the beach berm in alder and spruce. Adjacent to long, wide sand beach on the Gulf of Alaska.

View Larger Map

The old townsite of Katalla is about four miles east of the cabin. This was the first place oil was drilled in Alaska with the first production well drilled in 1902. There aren’t too many relics left from the oil drilling days and no original buildings are standing. Most of the townsite and drilling areas are on private land. There is an old graveyard in a dismal stand of Sitka spruce on the eastern shore of Lake Kahuntla. It’s kind of hard to find, but it’s worth searching for. I’ll give you a hint – it’s surrounded on three sides by swamps – take your hip boots. If you hike toward Katalla, there’s a rocky point (Cape Martin) that is difficult to cross at high tide, so check the tide tables.

Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days. Bring initial supply of water. Boil surface water 5 minutes before drinking. Bringing a personal cooking stove is recommended. Remember to pack out your trash. You can contact a U.S. Forest Service office to receive more detailed information on safety precautions.