Refuge History

Pipe Creek Cabin

HISTORY:   Who built the cabin or why is unknown, the cabin was probably used for trapping.  If you have information, photographs or stories regarding this cabin, (or any other cabins) please contact the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

NARRATIVE DESCRIPTION: The Pipe Creek cabin is a one-story log cabin consisting of a single rectangular room.  The cabin is located within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Tustumena Lake.  The Pipe Creek cabin condition is classified as standing "fair" with very little alteration since construction.

The Pipe Creek cabin is built of spruce logs cut in the area by ax and crosscut saw.  The cabin is located approximately 100 feet from the lakeside.  The foundation of the cabin consists of sill logs placed directly on the ground without a prepared foundation.  The diameter of the single room cabin is 12 feet, 5 inches wide by 15 feet, 5 ½ inches long.  The round spruce logs have been peeled of all bark.  The logs average 6 inches at the butt end and 5 inches at the tip.  The cabin is chinked with native moss.  The logs are interlocked with a square notch.  The facade and north elevations have 16 courses of logs and the east and west elevations have 9 courses of logs, all set horizontally. 

Last updated: September 11, 2008