Bush Cabins are Disappearing From Alaska

The Alaskan wilderness has, thankfully, never experienced total civilization and human population. It remains in many areas a desolate, but hauntingly and enchantingly beautiful landscape of snow under the Northern Lights. Travelers from across North America dream of discovering the splendor of Alaskan wilderness; however, the wilderness is not a secure wonder. You need to be aware of the dangers that you may come across when journeying through the wilderness in your Alaska car rentals.

Yet, up until recently, there were also many safe houses across the wilderness and the bush that would help to ensure your safety. These bush cabins are areas of lodging and resources that will house the hungry or tired traveler. Unfortunately, these bush cabins are slowly disappearing from the maps of the northern regions – much to the risk of travelers. In any case, you’ll need to sure you keep an emergency winter kit in your Alaska car rentals. We will outline all you need to know below.

What are bush cabins?

Bush cabins are privately or publicly owned properties in the wilderness that are often unlocked and contain extra supplies, non-perishable food, and warm beds and heat that will be the refresher you need. However, while it’s common for owners of the bush cabins to allow travelers to use their cabins, make sure you let the owner know. Also, you should only use privately owned cabins in extreme cases or cases of necessity.

You can leave a note, and it may be respectful as well to leave a little money in order to replace the supplies that you used from the owners’ cabin. Don’t lock the door when you leave, and make sure to tidy up after yourself rather than leave a mess for the owner.

For those that are publicly owned, these bush and trapping cabins are welcome to any traveler who needs a place to stay to escape the cold. Run by the BLM or the state feel free

As mentioned, these bush cabins have been slowly ebbing off the Alaska wilderness scene. Owners are becoming concerned that if their cabins’ property is taken over by the state that liability may be transferred to the state as well. Public cabins are also being torn down, and the landscape is rapidly becoming more barren and more threatening.

Alaska car rentals emergency kits

As said above, it’s important to have a winter emergency kit inside your Alaska car rentals. On top of your regular emergency kit, you’ll want to ensure you have a wiper brush and gloves.

Also included in your winter emergency kit should be an electric blanket, enough artic temperatures sleeping bag for each you and the people you’re driving with, and heating candles. Also include snow pants, warm hats, gloves, scarves, and extra thick sweaters. This may seem like extreme preparations but when you’re traveling through the bush and there’s no guarantee of bush and trapping cabins, there’s no such thing as being too prepared.

You’ll also want a jug of fresh water and a package of juice boxes. Pack non-perishable food items, as well. The amount of food you pack should be adjusted depending on how long you intend to travel for. Good items include energy bars, dried fruit, nuts or trail mix, peanut butter, granola bars, dried legumes, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, and for extended trips, canned foods may be smart to bring as well. Don’t forget toilet paper and a few bags of disposal, just in case! Finally, make sure you have a current, updated paper map in case signal fails on your GPS.

You’re set to head off into the bush. Keep in mind that your Alaska car rentals cannot go on off-road and unpaved highways, so if you’re driving stick to the main highways.

Start your adventure this month when you reserve your Alaska car rentals from Avis.