Alaska’s Hut-to-Hut Revolution
The Alaska Cabins Project
The U.S. Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation have embarked on an ambitious project to expand hut-to-hut travel in Alaska. The Alaska Cabins Project aims to add 25 new public-use cabins to the Chugach and Tongass National Forests, creating a network of accessible and affordable backcountry accommodations.
Benefits of Hut-to-Hut Travel
Hut-to-hut hiking offers numerous advantages for outdoor enthusiasts:
- Lightweight travel: Hikers can carry less gear since they do not need to pack tents or sleeping bags.
- Long-distance travel: Huts provide convenient overnight stops, enabling hikers to cover greater distances with less fatigue.
- Backcountry access: Huts open up remote and pristine wilderness areas to hikers of all levels.
- Family-friendly: Huts provide a safe and comfortable base for families on overnight adventures.
- Sustainable tourism: Huts reduce environmental impact by concentrating visitor use in designated areas.
The Alaska Cabins Project Timeline
The Alaska Cabins Project is a multi-year endeavor with a goal of completing all 25 cabins by 2027. The first cabin was completed in 2023, and five more are expected to be added in 2024. The remaining cabins will be built at a rate of six to seven per year.
Expansion of Hut-to-Hut Systems
The new cabins will not only provide stand-alone accommodations but will also expand existing hut-to-hut systems. Two new cabins will fill in gaps along the Resurrection Pass hut system, making a 75-mile traverse possible. Additionally, new cabins will create the potential for a 32-mile loop hike near Mendenhall Lake.
The Alaska Long Trail
The Alaska Long Trail (ALT) is a proposed 500-plus-mile cross-country trail connecting Fairbanks and Seward. Six of the new cabins will be located along the ALT corridor, providing hikers with convenient overnight options and the opportunity to link up portions of the trail.
The Glacier Discovery Project
The Alaska Huts Association is developing the Glacier Discovery Project, a new system of cabins and trails along the Placer River corridor. Visitors will be able to reach the cabins via the Glacier Discovery Trail or by train, thanks to a partnership with the Alaska Railroad.
Economic Impact of the Alaska Cabins Project
The Alaska Cabins Project is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s economy. Tourism and outdoor recreation are growing industries in Alaska, and the new cabins will attract more visitors to the state. Additionally, the project will create jobs in construction, hospitality, and guiding.
The Future of Hut-to-Hut Hiking in Alaska
The Alaska Cabins Project is a major step towards establishing Alaska as a premier destination for hut-to-hut hiking. The new cabins will provide access to remote wilderness areas, encourage sustainable tourism, and boost the state’s economy. As the project progresses, Alaska’s hut-to-hut network will continue to expand, offering hikers of all levels the opportunity to experience the beauty and adventure of the Last Frontier.
