Orca Island Cabins isn't just a remote yurt glamping destination; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of a family business.
For over two decades, the original owners crafted a sanctuary where guests are able to immerse themselves in the untamed wilderness of Resurrection Bay. What began as a dream sparked by a classified ad has blossomed into a cherished retreat, where each yurt tells a story of innovation, resilience, and a deep connection to Alaska’s rugged landscapes. As their children step into the legacy, Orca Island Cabins continues to evolve, promising unforgettable experiences woven into the fabric of a truly unique Alaskan adventure.
LAND ACQUISITION IN HUMPY COVE
Many guests are intrigued by how properties like Orca Island Cabins came to be. In the late 1960’s – early 1970’s, Alaska pioneered a “stake-it-yourself” program, allowing individuals to stake, survey, and purchase parcels of state-owned land. By the late 70s, this program evolved into the “Remote Parcel Program.” This era marked the infancy of Alaskan tourism, with only a few fishing charters and occasional tours to Kenai Fjords National Park catering to early visitors and local Alaskans alike.
In Humpy Cove alone, about twelve parcels were acquired through this program; half are still owned by their original purchasers, while others have transitioned to recreational retreats such as ours. Today, acquiring property in this area typically involves occasional resale opportunities. Orca Island Cabins itself is situated across three separately purchased lots.
BACKGROUND OF THE OWNERS
Visitors to Orca Island Cabins often inquire about the journey of its owners to Alaska, their reasons for staying, and the inspiration behind the property. Here is their story:
Susan arrived in Alaska from New Mexico in 1969 with her parents and sister. Her father, a petroleum engineer, took on a role as Commissioner with the State of Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission in Anchorage. Susan pursued a fine art degree at Principia College in Illinois before settling in Anchorage.
Dennis, originally from Michigan, made his way to Alaska in 1977 after working for the Federal Communications Commission in Washington D.C. He graduated from the University of Michigan and served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam era before attending law school in Detroit. Afterward, he joined Alascom, Inc., Alaska’s long lines carrier. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Susan.
ORIGINS OF ORCA ISLAND CABINS
Early Years in Alaska
Their journey began with marriage in 1982 in Anchorage, where Susan and Dennis, like many drawn to Alaska, embraced the opportunity to explore its wilderness and coastal shores. Their first boat, a 13-foot Boston Whaler, became their gateway to fishing and discovering various water bodies from Big Lake to Whittier, Seward, and Homer on the Kenai Peninsula. These early adventures marked the beginning of their deepening connection with Alaska, as they learned the intricacies of fishing for salmon, halibut, ling cod, and black cod.
Balancing Career and Exploration
During the 1980s, while Dennis practiced law in Anchorage, their explorations were limited to weekends and holiday breaks. The highways to places like Whittier and Seward were less developed then, presenting challenges with their narrow, unpaved stretches. Despite the rugged terrain, they frequently chose Seward and Resurrection Bay for its manageable travel time and reliable access compared to other coastal destinations.
EVOLUTION OF ORCA ISLAND CABINS
Orca Island Purchase
In the spring of 1995, while still residing in Anchorage, Dennis stumbled upon an enticing classified ad in the local paper. Bold print caught his eye: Humpy Cove, island for sale. Having extensively boated in Humpy Cove, the prospect of owning the one-acre island approximately 300 feet south of their existing property piqued their interest.
Despite only setting foot on their Humpy Cove property a few times over the years, the small island within view had always captured their imagination. An immediate call was placed to the seller. They met within hours of Dennis’s inquiry; the seller, having just placed the ad, was intent on liquidating properties in Alaska as she prepared to relocate with her family to Montana.
The timing was crucial. During negotiations, the seller even received another inquiry from a large corporation, prompting her to say, “I’m sorry, but I’m already dealing with someone on the purchase.” Recognizing the opportunity, despite lacking immediate financial means, Dennis and Susan proposed a $200 payment for a 90-day option to purchase the island at an agreed-upon price—an offer the seller accepted. They were able to secure the necessary funds with the help of friends, an outcome they considered fortunate.
Yurts as an Option
In the late 1990s, eco-tourism was gaining traction, emphasizing respect for Alaska’s wilderness. When introduced to the concept of yurts, Susan and Dennis saw an opportunity to provide comfortable, eco-friendly accommodations that minimized impact on the environment.
In 2002, they erected their first yurt, “Oystercatcher”, on the site of a dilapidated trapper’s cabin they had cleared out without cutting a single tree. The success of “Oystercatcher” among guests from day one encouraged them to expand, eventually replacing a charming but sea-rocked houseboat with “Murrelet”, their second yurt, in response to guest feedback.
By their second year of operation, they had established two yurts on the island, though amenities were limited. To enhance guest experience, they connected the dock’s ramp with boardwalks, constructed observation decks, and continued to refine their vision for Orca Island Cabins. A third yurt, “Kittiwake,” was constructed shortly thereafter in 2005.
Where to Go Next
Their decision to opt for 20-foot diameter yurts was practical; they knew private bathrooms were preferred over shared facilities, which would have allowed for more but smaller yurts on the island. However, the larger yurts limited them to constructing only 3 on the island.
They explored expanding to neighboring lots, particularly Lot 3 adjacent to the island, but initial attempts to acquire it were unsuccessful. Eventually, in 2004, they seized the opportunity to purchase Lot 3, which allowed them to expand their cabin rental business and protect the area from adverse development.
The Island/Mainland Connection
Living in Seward, a small town with a diverse population, brought them into contact with people like Tom, a friend from Southern California who settled in Seward after sailing the South Pacific. Tom took an interest in their project and, along with his father “Grumpy”, a retired aeronautical engineer, playfully challenged to design an 80-foot arched footbridge connecting the island to Lot 3. Their spirited discussions led to Grumpy creating a detailed blueprint, affectionately titled “Swiderski’s Bridge To Nowhere”.
With Tom’s help, Dennis and his son Jonah spent weeks constructing the bridge trusses, which were later transported to the island via a commercial landing craft. Despite challenges like heavy snowfall, their community of builder friends came together to install the trusses, complete with railings and decking, finishing just in time for the summer season. Guests initially accessed the mainland via a rowboat and cable system until the bridge’s completion in late May 2011, marking a significant milestone for Orca Island Cabins.
Expansion for Yurts 4 and 5
In the winter of 2010, with the bridge project underway, Dennis and Susan focused on expanding their accommodations. Yurts 4 and 5, named “Steller’s Jay” and “Puffin”, were built on the newly acquired Lot 3. They managed to complete the foundations and erect both yurts in time for the Summer 2011 season. This expansion further enhanced their capacity to accommodate guests seeking a unique wilderness experience on Orca Island.
An Artistic Touch
With the exhausting challenge of constructing the bridge and two additional yurts behind them, Dennis and Susan felt it was time to take a much-needed break from construction. However, they saw an opportunity to build an art gallery/studio on the island. The chosen location, though not spacious enough for a standard 20-foot diameter yurt, perfectly accommodated a smaller 16-foot diameter yurt with a deck overlooking the boat dock and ramp.
The art gallery/studio was Susan’s haven, where she could paint daily and showcase her artwork. They believed this addition would enhance the unique Alaskan experience they aimed to offer their guests.
Do We Dare Expand Further
Despite the challenges faced during the construction of the bridge and additional yurts on the mainland acre, Dennis and Susan recognized that overcoming these hurdles resulted in additional, uniquely positioned accommodations. These cabins, set on steep terrain with stunning views of Resurrection Bay, were accessed via the iconic arched footbridge that had become a symbol of their rental operation. Boaters often cruised by just to catch a glimpse of the bridge.
The northern section of Lot 3 seemed suitable for two more yurts, despite the challenging terrain and rocky formations. They decided to construct a boardwalk near the high-water mark, anchored in the rock formations. This solution ensured privacy for Yurt 4 & 5 guests while offering a scenic pathway to Yurts 6 and 7.
Today, the boardwalk to Yurts 6 (“Kingfisher”) and 7 (“Cormorant”) provides a charming path along the water’s edge, meandering through a lush rainforest with ferns, mosses, and wildflowers.
Construction of Yurt 8 and New Art Gallery
Towards the end of the 2017 operating season, Dennis and Susan decided the time was right to construct Yurt 8 for the 2018 season. They carefully selected a site on Lot 2 and began constructing a boardwalk and foundation for Yurt 8 in October 2017, completing the construction in time for the Summer 2018 season. The dramatic boardwalk, bolted into an immense rock face, winds through a lush rainforest area leading to Yurt 8 nestled at the water’s edge.
They also decided to build a new, 480 square foot art gallery at the top of the boat ramp. It serves as a space where guests can enjoy local crafts and find sanctuary on rainy days.
The original art gallery now serves as overnight lodging for island staff, providing them a designated space separate from guest accommodations.
An Ongoing Work-In-Progress
At the end of each operating season, Dennis and Susan reflected on ways to better serve their guests. In 2013 they expanded the “South Decks”, adding a roof to create a larger sheltered pavilion where guests could gather during inclement weather. In 2016, they introduced a propane fire pit to the pavilion, inspired by a memorable evening where guests gathered around candlelit tables. The fire pit quickly became popular, prompting them to enlarge the pavilion in 2018 and add a second propane fire ring and additional seating to accommodate more guests comfortably.
A New Boat
The vessel initially serving as the primary transport for guests to and from the island was an 18-foot landing craft. While effective in ideal sea conditions, it struggled in rough seas. After two years of pounding through rough waters, Orca Island Cabins transitioned to a more robust 26-foot Hewescraft, capable of comfortably ferrying up to six guests and luggage. Despite its capabilities, they identified days in Resurrection Bay where storm conditions produced waves nearing 6 feet in height, prompting the need for a larger vessel to ensure guest comfort.
Thus, in preparation for the 2017 season, they acquired a 37-foot Delta Marine vessel certified by the U.S. Coast Guard to carry 15 passengers and three crew members. This larger vessel, the “Orca Islander”, has since delighted in transporting guests safely and comfortably to and from the island daily.
The Future
Orca Island Cabins has evolved significantly over its more than 20-year history under the stewardship of Dennis and Susan. In 2022, they decided to sell and retire while keeping the business in the family. Their children stepped in to continue the legacy in the Summer of 2023.
Jonah and his wife Yen now own Orca Island Cabins, and Simon Swiderski, who serves as the main boat captain, is also a part-owner. Together, they are dedicated to preserving the unique Alaskan experience that the island has always offered. Their vision ensures guests leave feeling deeply connected to nature, free from stress, and with unforgettable memories—a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.
