Probably 95 per cent of Alaskan visitors miss one of the state's most rewarding, yet inexpensive vacation opportunities-flying, hiking or boating to a US Forest Service cabin in the wilderness.
The Forest Service has built and maintains 145 cabins in the Tongass National Forest, which covers all of southeastern Alaska. An additional 41 cabins have been constructed in the Chugach National Forest, which includes portions of the Kenai Peninsula, Prince William Sound and the Copper River Delta.
From almost every Alaska ferry port in Southeast Alaska aircraft can be chartered to fly families or groups for $200 to $300 per hour. Thirty minutes of flying time is sufficient to reach most cabins. Some cabins are accessible by hiker's trail or charter boat.
Each cabin includes bunks, wood or oil stove and outdoor sanitary facilities. Bedding and cooking utensils are not furnished.
A charge of $35 per party per night is made for each cabin permit. Reservations are required and can be made up to six months in advance by completing an application and depositing the fee with the Forest Service.
Inquiries can be directed to the Tongass National Forest offices in Juneau, Visitor Information Center, 8461 Old Dairy Road, Juneau, 99801; 907-586-8751,  907-586-8800.
For information or reservations for cabins in the Chugach National Forest, write Chugach National Forest, 605 W. Fourth Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99501; 907-271-2599.
For reservations call (from continental US) 1-800 280-2267, an additional fee of $8.25 is charged.

Alaska State Parks has 56 public use cabins for rent throughout the state in a wide variety of settings. Cost varies from $35 to $65 per night. Some cabins are road-accessible and others are remote with seasonal access difficulties. All cabins are equipped with wooden sleeping platforms, a wood heating stove, table and chairs or benches. Reservations can be made upon full payment up to 180 days in advance. For more information, write State Park Cabins, 550 West Seventh Ave., Suite 1260, Anchorage, AK 99501; 907-269-8400.
www.dnr.state.ak.us/parks

National Recreation Reservation Service - all Forest Service cabins must be reserved. Toll free 877-444-6777.
www.ReserveUSA.com