The Cub Cabin @McCarthy Airstrip

Welcome to our private wilderness retreat only a 5 minute walk from the main McCarthy airstrip. This small cabin boasts a new firm queen bed, WIFI, basic electrical system with mini fridge, and kitchenette with hot running water. A few steps from the front door is a private hot shower shack with change room, clean private outhouse, and a few modest courtesy bikes. No visitor vehicle access but local shuttles serve the airport. Two night minimum, we love dogs. The space This property is bordered by the national park on the east. Growing around the perimeter are aspen/cottonwood stands and willow thickets. The center 2 acres are an unmowed “lawn” of local grass and wildflowers. Charismatic megafauna (mostly moose) will occasionally stroll through the yard and sometimes even stick around to help with lawn care. COMMON SENSE WITH WILDLIFE IS A REQUIREMENT FOR GUESTS. There are a few private residences between the lot and airstrip to the west and south. The Cub Cabin is one of only two buildings on the 5 acre lot, so this rental is a good choice for those seeking seclusion, views, and nature. The other is the Cessna Cabin, a small two story guesthouse 60 yards across the property to the north which is also available on Airbnb. You will see no other buildings or roofs from the lot. Daytime aircraft noise is comparable to that in McCarthy proper as it is hilly forest between the runway and rental (and most pilots opt to turn west after take off to avoid the mountainside). There is a working driveway to the Cub Cabin but automobile access to Kennicott\McCarthy is limited to holders of an annual bridge pass over the Kennicott River. There is a firepit next to the Cub Cabin which will be available if wildfire danger is not too high. The secluded views of the surrounding mountains, especially the Porphry Peaks are a highlight of this property so be sure to bring your binoculars to look for wildlife and features on the slopes above! Guest access A five minute walk along a gravel road connects the rental with the center/east edge of the airport ramp. Specific directions will follow with the booking. Modest courtesy bikes are included with the rental. Private transport between the Kennicott River footbridge (end of the drivable road) and Cub Cabin is available for hire. Prices are typically $5 per person per ride with bulk discounts available. Those same shuttles also run between the footbridge, the airstrip, McCarthy, and Kennicott. Car parking can be found near the end of the drivable road at the footbridge or gas pump/coffee stand for a small fee (typ $5/day). For 2026 I will again offer complimentary shuttles from the end of the drivable road to the Cub Cabin for check in. More details on ride options and recommendations will follow with the booking. To be clear there is no visitor vehicle access to McCarthy, Kennicott, the Cub Cabin, or anything east of the Kennicott River. Folks typically bring a few bags each and sometimes even a cooler to the Cub Cabin from their car. The baggage will need to be carted or carried across the Kennicott River foot bridge (I’m happy to help) but can otherwise be transported by local shuttles. Any coolers and food items must be stored inside when not under direct supervision. Expect a few hour mission to access your car mid stay by bike or shuttle if you wish to do so. Being separated from your vehicle isn’t for everyone but we believe that this adds to the wilderness experience and adventure for the right guests. Other things to note Rental season is June 10 through September 15. Pets very welcome. The steep stairs may not be appropriate for small children or elderly visitors. This cabin is a great choice for aviators or anyone wanting a little more space and tranquility. Clean linens and an assortment of clean towels are included with your stay. A change of linens and towels can be arranged for stays over 3 nights upon request. Two modest yet brand name mountain bikes are provided for those wanting to explore McCarthy without the shuttle. It’s a 10-15 minute ride each way. You can also ride up and down to Kennicott but we actually recommend the shuttle as it’s almost 5 miles each way and there is so much to see and do up there. Please understand these bikes are for transportation, not sport riding as they have very little suspension and show some wear. Helmets are provided as is a bike lock though no one has yet felt the need to use the latter. The Cub Cabin boasts a shower as hot as any in the valley as we use an AC powered Ecotemp i12 instant water heater with temperature sensors on the water output as well as input pipe. Simple breakfast staples come with the cabin including whole wheat pancake mix, oatmeal, a tea selection, and basic ground coffee. Eggs and possibly home made bread may also be available- feel free to inquire! This cabin is set up as a contactless rental. Included with a stay at the Cub Cabin is a WIFI HOTSPOT which will support internet calls and texts. As Verizon is the only national carrier with service in the valley we want to make sure guests can contact us if there are questions or issues. The WiFi hotspot is really only good for one connected device at a time and struggles with videos so please don’t expect to stream movies. Unless you have a lot of electrical needs and the sun is consistently shy, our solar panel/battery system should suffice negating the need for a noisy generator during your stay. For 2026 we are proud to announce a huge investment in clean water for visitors and the valley. We have an approved septic installed and a hot/cold water faucet in the kitchen area! The facility use is straightforward and includes detailed instructions for all systems (think shower, heater, stove, etc). Remember I am giving guests a ride in from their parked car so this is a great time to get a quick run down of the place and ask any questions. I (the owner/operator/builder) live about 15 minutes away and should be available virtually any time if you are in need of assistance or there is an issue. McCarthy sits at the edge of the largest piece of protected wilderness left in North America. The sense of wonder at watching fog roll off the peaks, the excitement as you consider that a bear or moose could be strolling through the yard, the discovery as you check out the hardy plants and flowers around you, and peace as you soak in the quiet scene at the end of your long journey; these are things we believe are best experienced independently without even the best of landlords keeping an eye on you. If you agree then you’re the type of person we had in mind when building the Cub Cabin! Thank you for your interest and consideration to support a local resident and small business!