The Story Behind This Simple Cabin In Alaska Is One You Won’t Forget
Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” This is a saying that Richard Louis Proenneke would undoubtedly live by. At the age of 49, he retired to live the next thirty years of his life in the quiet solitude of the vast Alaskan wilderness learning what it is to be self-reliant and self-sufficient in this one-of-a-kind cabin in Alaska.
Today, his handmade cabin is a landmark for both naturalists and adventurers alike who seek a self-sustainable lifestyle in the peaceful confines of the wilderness. These photos will take you back in time as you learn more about the construction of Proenneke’s one-of-a-kind cabin and his life in the Alaskan wilderness.
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
Richard Proenneke planned and hand-crafted his wilderness cabin in Lake Clark National Park when he retired at the age of 49. While staying at a friend's cabin on the upper lake, he had time to search for the perfect place to build his cabin and begin its construction in one of the most unique places in Alaska.
Proenneke was a skilled craftsman who spent two years in the Navy practicing his trade. He carefully constructed his cabin to withstand the elements. From a gravel foundation drug up from the lake's bottom to the carefully chosen trees to fall for the log walls, Proenneke knew exactly what needed to be done to build a home for himself in the woods. That this cabin is still standing is testament to that.
Not only did he construct his own cabin but he also designed and created his own tools. There was nothing that Proenneke missed. He even buried his fruit and other perishables below the frost line to preserve them for longer periods. This was a man who did his research before striking out into the Alaskan wilderness.
Richard hunted, fished, and grew the food he needed to survive. All other supplies he needed were delivered by plane from his friend and bush pilot, Leon Reid "Babe" Alsworth.
During the thirty years he spent in solitude, Proenneke journaled and recorded the day-to-day happenings in his life. He documented using a 6mm movie camera.
His film documentation became exceptionally helpful for the Park Service as he provided them with video of sensitive landscapes in the area. He also reported poachers.
After Proenneke's death, Richard Louis Proenneke's cabin was given to the parks service and not until 2007 was it finally included in the National Register of Historic Places.
Proenneke spent the final thirty years of his life, from the age of 49-82, in complete harmony with mother nature. His legacy was left behind and embodied by his self-constructed cabin which still stands today, as one of the most famous historic places in Alaska.
Have you heard of Proenneke’s Cabin before? What do you think of this one-of-a-kind cabin in Alaska? Have you ever seen it before? Let us know in the comments below!
The Homestead Act was enacted on January 1st, 1863. The Homestead Act, created during the Civil War, stated that any adult American citizen who had never raised arms against the government, could stake a claim of 160 acres. Many people moved to Alaska to claim new land. This act allowed the cultivation of Alaskan wilderness until the act was repealed in 1976. A ten year extension was granted for Alaska, and homesteading didn’t officially end in our state until 1986.
What is Lake Clark National Park known for?
Lake Clark National Park is unable to be reached by road, and only when weather and tides cooperate can you access it by boat on the Cook Inlet. This national park is almost entirely breathtaking wilderness. Many people reach the trek to this remote park by air. Visitors come every year to watch bears, and see the largest sockeye salmon fishery in the world. Still others come to experience volcanoes, mountains, and one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet. Lake Clark is also the ancestral lands of the Dena’ina people, and is filled with cultural history. Go hiking, reserve a public use cabin and spend the night, or canoe or hike one of the stunning lakes in this area. This is truly a great example of Alaska wilderness!
Casea Peterson grew up archery hunting, fishing, and camping throughout the Pacific Northwest. Motivated by her love for the outdoors she moved to Alaska to attend school and to spend time exploring the last frontier. If she doesn’t have a pen in hand or her nose in a book, she can be found out on a lake or up in the woods around a fire with friends.
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