KACHEMAK BAY STATE PARK
Alaska's first state park, and only wilderness park, contains roughly 400,000 acres of mountains, glaciers, forests and ocean. The bay's twisted rock formations are evidence of the movement of the earths crust. Highlighted by constantly changing weather patterns, the park's outstanding scenery is a backdrop for high quality recreation. Park visitors will find opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking, hiking, camping and mountain sports.
Kachemak Bay is a critical habitat area, supporting many species of marine life. Visitors frequently observe sea otters, seals, porpoise and whales. Inter tidal zones offer natural settings for marine studies. Land mammals include moose, black bear, mountain goats, coyotes and wolves. The many species of birds that inhabit the bay, including eagles, gyrfalcons and puffins, make it a popular area for bird watching.
Hiking and camping along the shoreline and in the surrounding forests and mountains are excellent. Above timberline, skiers and hikers will find glaciers and snowfields stretching for miles. Special park attractions include Grewing K Glacier, Poot Peak, China Poot Bay, Halibut Cove Lagoon, Humpy Creek, and China Poot (Leisure) Lake
Hunting and fishing are allowed in the park. Consult regulations, Rangers, or the Alaska Department of Fish & Game for information.
Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock is an 80-foot-long floating structure, capable of mooring boats up to 26 feet long. The dock provides access to the Ranger Station, public restrooms, 2 public use cabins, and a major trailhead. Space is limited, and is available on a first come, first served basis.
Lagoon-Overlook Cabin (16' x 20')Sleeps 8 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rocky point, overlooking the lagoon. Access the cabin at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock. Expect to carry gear 500 feet along a boardwalk. The 2-bedroom cabin is equipped with double wooden bunks, a table, counter, and chairs or benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available when the generator is running at the ranger station, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.
Lagoon-East Cabin (16' x 16')Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rock bluff, the log cabin overlooks the lagoon and dock. Access the cabin at the Halibut Cove Lagoon Public Dock. Expect to carry gear 250 feet along a boardwalk. The 1-room cabin is equipped with a double wooden bunk, a wooden sleeping platform, table, counter, and benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available when the generator is running at the ranger station, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat. This cabin is designed for persons with mobility disabilities, as long as the individual has assistance up the ramp from the dock to the cabin boardwalk system.
Lagoon-West Cabin (16' x 16')Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on a rock bluff, the log cabin overlooks the lagoon. Access the cabin at the southwest corner of Halibut Cove Lagoon, just east of the Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead. A long, steep stairway to the beach provides access to the cabin, or individuals may access the cabin along a short trail to the trailhead. Two mooring buoys are also available off the trailhead. The 1-room cabin is equipped with a double wooden bunk, a wooden sleeping platform, table, counter, and benches. A latrine is nearby. Water is available from a nearby creek, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.
China Poot Lake Cabin (16' x 16')Sleeps 6 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. Located on the shores of scenic China Poot Lake, also known as Leisure Lake. China Poot Lake is approximately 2.4 trails miles from Halibut Cove Lagoon trailhead or 13 air miles from Homer. Air taxis can land on the lake, but there is no dock facility at the cabin. Water is available from the lake, and should be treated before drinking. A woodstove is available for heat.
Moose Valley Cabin (12' x 12')Sleeps 2 with a maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights. The Moose Valley public use cabin is located just off the Moose Valley Loop trail. It is approximately 2.4 miles from the Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station. The trail leaves the China Poot Lake trail about 1.2 miles from the station and ?loops? through Moose Valley and up to the South side of Poot Peak. From Poot Peak, access the South Spur trail to China Poot Lake (Leisure Lake) or the Wosnesenski River Trail. Water can be taken from the stream, just off the front porch, but boil, filter or treat before drinking. A small outhouse is nearby. A small woodstove is available for heat. The cabin is suitable for use later in the season as this trail is not normally cleared until mid to late June.
Camping is permitted in most areas of the park. A number of sites have been developed that may include fireplaces, picnic tables, tent platforms, information, outhouses or food caches. Contact park staff for details.