Italio River Cabin is situated on the west bank of Hooligan Creek about half a mile from the Old Italio River and the Gulf of Alaska. This remote retreat is open year-round and makes an ideal base for fishing or hunting trips.
The site can be accessed by wheeled plane, depending on conditions. The nearby airstrip is on tidal flats, making it prone to flooding and debris. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
The Old Italio, New Italio and Akwe River systems offer outstanding fishing for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and steelhead, as well as sockeye, pink, king and coho salmon. Moose hunting is good to excellent.
Facilities
This 14x20-ft. A-frame style cabin sleeps six people and comes with two single bunks and a sleeping loft. Other amenities include a table with benches, broom and an oil heater.
A picnic table and campfire ring are located outside. An outhouse with pit toilet and a 12x12-ft. meat shed are located on-site.
Water, electricity and heating oil are not provided. Visitors must bring their own supply of drinking water, as well as #1 stove oil for the heater. One gallon lasts 2-10 hours, depending on the heat setting.
Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, a cooking stove, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns, flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. Click here for more cabin details.
Natural Features
The cabin sits on relatively flat terrain that can get very wet. The surrounding vegetation is predominantly brush with scattered willow and alder thickets and cottonwoods. The nearby tidal flats often flood during high tide or heavy rains ( local tide charts ).
Large populations of moose and brown bears live in this area. Bald eagles and ravens are common, and gulls are often seen along the river.
The facts
Season: Year round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
Located 30 miles SE of Yakutat, the cabin is on the west bank of Hooligan Creek, a half-mile from the Old Italio River. Access is by wheeled plane on a
tidal flat airstrip. The 1,600x100-ft. airstrip may flood at extreme high tides or after heavy rains. Please consult tide charts in advance, since tides can affect
access to this cabin.
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 22.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
Fees and stay limits
Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Photo: ITALIO RIVER CABIN · Recreation.govPhoto: ITALIO RIVER CABIN · Recreation.gov
Member photos
Common questions about Italio River Cabin
Can you reserve a site at Italio River Cabin?
Yes, Italio River Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Italio River Cabin have?
1 site.
Also listed by
Italio River Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Italio River Cabin's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
$50/night peak season May 1 – September 30 $35/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30
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