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           Today few people could tell you anything about the history or rediscovered use of a float cabin. Float cabins have a detailed history in the Pacific Northwest. Initially they were used by loggers as support camps which were easily moved from place to place following loggers and the transportation of their valuable logs. Today they are used by weekenders who are interested in a self-made flotation device and a cabin rolled into one.

         Construction of a Float Cabin is quite simple, similar to a basic wooden pontoon or floating platform as its base. Most use cedar logs held together by heavy gauge steel cables tightened with a winch. Tightening these logs are important as decking is then placed into position which will act as the platform or foundation of the cabin. The construction of a basic cabin to act as a fishing or weekend get-a-way is quite easy as two by four studding and plywood are placed into position. A simple one floor or one room cabin does not take much time.

        Today , however our needs and desires tend to complicate matters. The simple one room or one floor cabin design has evolved into multi-stories with a more complexed floor plan. Some of these floor plans include fireplaces, kitchens, multiple bedrooms and compost toilets. As you can imagine the weekend retreat has become the year round retirement home.

        Just in case you like what you hear, don't start cutting down the cedar trees just yet, and postpone that run to the local lumber yard or box store. There are regulations which now exist and of course local restrictions and taxes are always in place. But.... if you need a lake which has more than its share of these Float Cabins and want to take a look for yourself Powell lake is worth a look.

         So if you are looking for some incredible views, a Float Cabin just may be something worth looking into. If you have a float cabin or know someone who does drop me a line as I have to say the thought of spending some time on one of these is intriguing.