Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get there?
Our yurts are located across Kachemak Bay on State Park land. Almost every yurt is located on or near a trailhead. You can take your own boat or use one of the many water taxi services available.
Water Taxis
Red Mountain Marine
907-235-0708
Bay Excursions
907-235-9055
Cold Water Taxi & Freight
907-235-2341
How are the yurts furnished?
At a minimum all yurts will have the following: 4 sleeping platforms with pads, a bucket, a 5 gallon water container, a wood saw, a splitting maul, a broom and dust pan, a fire stove in the center of the yurt, a single propane burner (propane is not provided) and a bear proof food locker or hanging buckets away from the yurt. (Please do not leave trash in food locker or buckets.)
We maintain the yurts as often as is possible. Sometimes items have a way of disappearing, so please let us know if your yurt does not have the above items.
How many people can each yurt sleep?
Each yurt has 4 sleeping platforms and maximum occupancy is 6. We do have parties that bring extra tents to accommodate more people.
Are the yurts pet-friendly?
Absolutely! Feel free to bring your dog or other pet to any of the yurts, but please be prepared to clean up after them before you go.
Which yurts:
Have cell coverage?
You should be able to get cell reception from all of the yurts except for Tutka 1, Tutka 2, and China Poot.
Are tidally dependent for access?
The yurts at China Poot, Humpy Creek, and Haystack Beach all require a certain amount of water to access. Check with your water taxi operator, or consult a chart and tide book, to time your entry and exit from these sites.
Are best for kayaking or paddleboarding?
All of the yurt sites provide opportunities for kayaking. Some can be used to stage multi-day trips, and some give you the chance to see islands up close. Check out the yurt descriptions for details.
Have access to trailheads?
All the yurts are situated close to various trailheads except Right Beach. Trails can be accessed by kayak or skiff from this yurt.
Are near fishing and/or clamming sites?
The China Poot yurt sits near mud and gravel flats that hold butter clams, diggable when there is a minus tide. China Poot Lake has rainbow trout in good numbers. Humpy Creek has pink salmon fishing in mid-July to mid-August (better in even numbered years), as well as some chum salmon and dolly varden.
Have water sources?
We advise against drinking water from sources across the bay unless you either filter or boil it. Bring plenty of water with you when heading to a yurt, and a filter or camp stove if you are on a multi-day trip and need to replenish your supply. There are many waterfalls and springs on the hillsides in all of the coves, most accessible by kayak, some on foot.
Have wood sources?
The forests across Kachemak Bay are wet, and generally will not provide much fire wood. Driftwood gathered from the beach is often the best source of wood for an evening fire. Check with your water taxi operator about firewood for sale on the spit. Every yurt has a wood stove and can be kept cozy and warm with a bundle or two of firewood.
Have bear problems?
Generally, the yurts do not have problems with bears. There is always the possibility of encountering bears in the park, as it's a perfect habitat for black bears and the occasional brown bear. Use bear resistant food containers at the yurts, keep the area clean, and you should have no unwanted encounters. The Humpy Creek salmon run will attract a number of bears in late summer, so good camping hygiene is especially important at the Humpy Creek yurt.
Are best for mountain biking?
None! At this time the State Park does not allow mountain bikes in the park and/or on the park trails.
Have outhouses?
Every site has an outhouse within 100 ft of the yurt. Outhouses are maintained and stocked with toilet paper. You may want to bring an extra roll or two just in case.
Have a cooking stove?
Every yurt has a single burner camping stove that requires a standard Coleman 16.4oz camping fuel cylinder. Although many of the yurts have cylinders that have been left behind, it is your responsibility to bring your own propane. In the event a stove has disappeared we will attempt to replace it as soon as possible! In the meantime, the wood stove or campfires will be your only cooking element.
If you have any questions not answered here, please feel free to get in touch!