In 1778, Captain James Cook sailed into Turnagain Arm and Chickaloon Bay, both within the now well-known Anchorage Harbor. During this voyage, ship ledgers indicate he sailed past two islands, the first of which he named Fire Island, the second he named Burnt Island.

Burnt Island, aside from now having a private retreat cabin built tucked within its trees, remains unspoiled, totally private, undeveloped, and pretty much the same as it was in 1778. It has been owned by only one person since it was discovered in 1778.

Burnt Island is located about 7 miles west of Anchorage, on the south side of Turnagain Arm. By helicopter, it is a 12 to 15 minute ride from Anchorage. Burnt Island is a 7-acre island on which is a singular private 5 acre parcel of land, owned by an Alaskan homesteader. The US Government owns the other two acre parcel, which cannot be accessed other than by water.

The entire island is surrounded by national forests, and is approximately 450 feet from the shoreline of the Chugach National Forest. Access to the island by land is restricted to the owner and family, as the road passes through government property.

The island is naturally tree covered, with a gradual slope up to a flat crest just over 100 feet in elevation. The trees consist of Sitka Spruce, Birch, and Cottonwood & Alder. There are also blueberries, rosehips, high bush and low bush cranberries in abundance.

The view from the top of the island is simply breathtaking. Besides the Alaska Range, Mt. Mckinley, the tallest peak on the North American Continent, Mt. Susitna, Mt. Illiamna, Mt. Spurr and Mt. Foraker are all in view.

The surrounding area is known as Chickaloon Bay and is the nesting area of ducks, geese, and crane. It is both a nature lover's paradise, and a sportsman's haven. The area close to the island is known for abundant wildlife. Black and Alaska Brown bear roam as well as moose, caribou, wolves, coyote, wolverine, lynx and rabbit. Ptarmigan, Spruce Hen, Grouse, Quail and Salmon are also abundant around the island.

A small cabin was built on the island in 1968. This two-story hand-built cottage has been a private vacation refuge for its owner for nearly 4 decades. Built on the Eastern side of the island, nearest the closest land, about 450 feet from the shoreline, it is a short walk up to the crest of the island, which is solid granite slab, able to host a variety of housing or lodge options.

There are no zoning or building restrictions on Burnt island. The new owner(s) can build an island top, 360 degree lodge, or they can rehab the existing cottage to their own liking.

No well has yet been drilled on the island, although the passing of the deed will include full water rights. There is an 800 gallon, gravity fed, water storage facility; it is fed by rain and run-off. The island is reachable by boat, hovercraft, helicopter, and at low tide, one can even walk across on a specially built path.

While propane currently heats the cottage, there is a major gas pipeline running past the island, should the new owner wish to provide gas fed heat and electricity for a larger home or lodge. These discussions have already taken place, and the gas company is willing to provide this service upon request. An electric generator is also used for power for the cabin as well.

This is truly an incredible opportunity to acquire a singular Alaskan island, founded and named in 1778 by one of the world's great explorers. Since homesteaded, one person only has owned Burnt Island. He homesteaded this island, built the cottage by his own hands, and has enjoyed decades of time spent on the island. Now, it is time for a new owner to enjoy this natural and secluded space.