Cabin camping is an amazing way to experience Gustavus, while still enjoying a little rustic luxury. The Dyrt is the ultimate place to find cabins for your next outdoor adventure near Gustavus. When you're looking for a quiet location in nature, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect cabin rental.
Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.
The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.
The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.
The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground, the mountains rise from 4,000 to to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.
Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.
$34 / night
(12' X 16') Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights. $50 per night. Cabins are not furnished with mattresses. Summer access by foot or boat (can haul onto a rocky beach). The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.4 miles to the cabin. Winter access: the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe in, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove. It is recommended the user bring a minimum of 1 gallon of kerosene per day to supply heat for the cabin (2 gallons per night in the winter). The fuel storage tank for the stove is on the rear of the cabin. Water supply is snow in the winter and a nearby creek in the summer. Please purify before using. In a dry year, the creek will be dry, so consider bringing a water supply. GPS 058° 40' 42.00"N, 134° 59' 8.56"W.
Peterson Lake Cabin was built in the 1980s and named after John Peterson, who started a placer gold mine in this area in 1900. The Peterson Lake Trail that accesses the cabin follows a former tram route for the first 2 miles, and remnants of the tram can still be seen. The cabin is open year-round and is one of Juneau Ranger District's most popular backcountry rentals. This secluded retreat offers the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane or by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 4.5 miles from the Peterson Lake Trailhead on Glacier Highway. The trail has an elevation gain of 800 feet. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The Peterson Lake Trail is partially planked. Hikers can use this trail in warmer weather, but snowshoes and skis are ideal in winter. The trail winds through muskeg and old-growth forest, taking hikers past waterfalls. Cross-country skiing is good in winter, with an undeveloped trail to John Muir cabin (map and compass are recommended). Anglers can fish for steelhead, trout, coho and pink salmon in Peterson Creek below the falls. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but they must bring their own flotation devices.
This 12 ft. by 14 ft. cabin is pan-abode style and sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, a broom, a propane furnace, wood stove and splitting maul. Propane is provided for the furnace. The facility offers an accessible ramp to the cabin, a wider hardened trail connecting the cabin to the new vault toilet and float dock. A picnic table is provided on the front deck, and a cooler box for food storage is attached to the side of the cabin. A fire ring is located outside. A dock is available for float planes and boats. Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Visitors must provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are also expected to pack out trash, empty the cabinets and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).
The cabin sits on relatively flat land covered in tall grass. The front deck of the cabin offers views of the lily pad-covered lake and the surrounding forest-covered slopes. Peterson Lake is narrow and almost a mile long. The surrounding landscape is marsh and a forest of hemlock and spruce. Distant ice-capped mountain peaks can be seen from the lake. Deer and black bear are common to the area ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on the lake.
$75 / night
Peterson Lake Cabin was built in the 1980s and named after John Peterson, who started a placer gold mine in this area in 1900. The Peterson Lake Trail that accesses the cabin follows a former tram route for the first 2 miles, and remnants of the tram can still be seen. The cabin is open year-round and is one of Juneau Ranger District's most popular backcountry rentals. This secluded retreat offers the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane or by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 4.5 miles from the Peterson Lake Trailhead on Glacier Highway. The trail has an elevation gain of 800 feet. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The Peterson Lake Trail is partially planked. Hikers can use this trail in warmer weather, but snowshoes and skis are ideal in winter. The trail winds through muskeg and old-growth forest, taking hikers past waterfalls. Cross-country skiing is good in winter, with an undeveloped trail to John Muir cabin (map and compass are recommended). Anglers can fish for steelhead, trout, coho and pink salmon in Peterson Creek below the falls. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but they must bring their own flotation devices.
The Peterson Lake Trail is partially planked. Hikers can use this trail in warmer weather, but snowshoes and skis are ideal in winter. The trail winds through muskeg and old-growth forest, taking hikers past waterfalls. Cross-country skiing is good in winter, with an undeveloped trail to John Muir cabin (map and compass are recommended). Anglers can fish for steelhead, trout, coho and pink salmon in Peterson Creek below the falls. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but they must bring their own flotation devices.
The cabin sits on relatively flat land covered in tall grass. The front deck of the cabin offers views of the lily pad-covered lake and the surrounding forest-covered slopes. Peterson Lake is narrow and almost a mile long. The surrounding landscape is marsh and a forest of hemlock and spruce. Distant ice-capped mountain peaks can be seen from the lake. Deer and black bear are common to the area ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on the lake.
$75 / night
John Muir Cabin was built in 1980 and named after John Muir to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his visit to the Gastineau Channel area. This rustic cabin is open year-round and offers spectacular views and plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin is accessed by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 3.5 miles from the Spaulding Meadows/Auk Nu trailhead off of Glacier Highway. The trail is partially planked and winds through muskeg with a 1,500-foot elevation gain. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
The Auk Nu Trail continues past the cabin toward Auke Mountain. Cross-country skiing is excellent in winter, with close access to Spaulding Meadows and an undeveloped trail to Peterson Lake Cabin (map and compass are recommended). Skis or snowshoes are recommended in winter.
The Auk Nu Trail continues past the cabin toward Auke Mountain. Cross-country skiing is excellent in winter, with close access to Spaulding Meadows and an undeveloped trail to Peterson Lake Cabin (map and compass are recommended). Skis or snowshoes are recommended in winter.
The cabin sits in a subalpine meadow 1,550 feet above the Mendenhall Valley. This vantage point offers great views of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, Auke Bay, the Chilkat Mountains, Admiralty Island and numerous ice field peaks. Brown and black bears, deer and porcupines are common to the area (bear safety information). A variety of bird species make their home here, including the bald eagle.
$75 / night
Eight Fathom Cabin was constructed in 2009. It is located 15 miles from Hoonah, Alaska in the protected waters of Port Frederick. It is generally available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska, offering recreational options and abundant wildlife. The cabin is remote. It is accessible only by boat or float plane. From Hoonah, the boat ride is 45 minutes. By float plane, the flight is 30 minutes from Juneau and less than 10 minutes from Hoonah. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.
The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.
The cabin is built on a spur road edging out onto tidal, estuary flats at the head of Port Frederick. This area offers excellent opportunities for viewing scenery and wildlife, which includes whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. The front deck of the cabin looks out over the tide flats and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest.
Neka Hot Springs
$45 - $60 / night
Moser Island Cabin sits on the northern shore of Moser Island in upper Hoonah Sound, 48 miles north of Sitka, Alaska. The wood cabin, built in 1991 by volunteers from Sitka, is available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing and exploring this corner of Alaska. This is a remote site. The cabin can be accessed only by floatplane or boat, weather permitting. From Sitka, it's a 30-minute plane ride or a two-hour boat ride. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.
Beachcombing, seal watching, hunting and fishing are popular activities at Moser Island Cabin. Shrimp fishing is available south and east of the island, and crabbing is available in nearby bays. Local rivers can be fished for Dolly Varden and pink and chum salmon. Deer, bear and waterfowl hunting is allowed on Chichagof Island, accessible from the cabin during low tide. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Beachcombing, seal watching, hunting and fishing are popular activities at Moser Island Cabin. Shrimp fishing is available south and east of the island, and crabbing is available in nearby bays. Local rivers can be fished for Dolly Varden and pink and chum salmon. Deer, bear and waterfowl hunting is allowed on Chichagof Island, accessible from the cabin during low tide. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
Moser Island is a small island covered by a spruce and hemlock forest in upper Hoonah Sound. At low tide, the shoreline near the cabin leads to Chichagof Island. Wildlife, including deer, brown bear and waterfowl, is abundant in the surrounding area.
$55 / night
Eagle Beach is north of Juneau along the Glacier Highway with views of Lynn Canal, the Chilkat Mountains, and the Juneau Mountains. Eagle River flows through the area. This park unit has 16 primitive sites in the forested section of the park. There are several walk-in camping sites. Large beach and river bars offer excellent beach combing and fishing. Whales, sea lions, and seal frequent the ocean nearby.
$10 - $80 / night
Eagle Glacier Cabin is open year-round for outdoor enthusiasts. This remote retreat is tucked into a peaceful lake setting that offers spectacular mountain views and its very own glacier. The site is accessed by hiking or snowshoeing or cross-country skiing 5.5 miles from the Amalga Trailhead off of Glacier Highway. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The Amalga Trail used to access the cabin continues on for another 2 miles to the glacier. Cross-country skis are not advised for this trail in winter due to rough terrain. The Amalga trail can get muddy in the warmer months, so hikers should be sure to wear the proper footwear. The trail is somewhat challenging but with only 300 feet in elevation gain. An additional trail starts at the woodshed and continues about half a mile to a large waterfall. Berries are available for picking in the summer.
The Amalga Trail used to access the cabin continues on for another 2 miles to the glacier. Cross-country skis are not advised for this trail in winter due to rough terrain. The Amalga trail can get muddy in the warmer months, so hikers should be sure to wear the proper footwear. The trail is somewhat challenging but with only 300 feet in elevation gain. An additional trail starts at the woodshed and continues about half a mile to a large waterfall. Berries are available for picking in the summer.
The cabin offers excellent views of Eagle Glacier Lake, Eagle Glacier and the surrounding mountains. The old-growth forest surrounding the cabin is spruce and hemlock with dense alder and willow patches. This area is home to eagles and black and brown bears ( bear safety information ). The trail leading to the cabin passes several beaver dams where beavers and waterfowl are often seen.
$75 / night
Mendenhall Campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound.
The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.
The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4 mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment.
The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground, the mountains rise from 4,000 to to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. Much of the forest is a temperate rain forest.
Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.
$34 / night
(12' X 16') Sleeps 8 (maximum 8) with a maximum stay of 3 consecutive nights. $50 per night. Cabins are not furnished with mattresses. Summer access by foot or boat (can haul onto a rocky beach). The foot trail begins at Point Bridget State Park Trailhead parking area at Mile 39 Glacier Highway. The trail is 3.4 miles to the cabin. Winter access: the same trail is open in the winter. Visitors can ski or snowshoe in, but no ATV's or other motorized vehicles are allowed. Primary heat at the cabin is kerosene with an emergency woodstove. It is recommended the user bring a minimum of 1 gallon of kerosene per day to supply heat for the cabin (2 gallons per night in the winter). The fuel storage tank for the stove is on the rear of the cabin. Water supply is snow in the winter and a nearby creek in the summer. Please purify before using. In a dry year, the creek will be dry, so consider bringing a water supply. GPS 058° 40' 42.00"N, 134° 59' 8.56"W.
Eight Fathom Cabin was constructed in 2009. It is located 15 miles from Hoonah, Alaska in the protected waters of Port Frederick. It is generally available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska, offering recreational options and abundant wildlife. The cabin is remote. It is accessible only by boat or float plane. From Hoonah, the boat ride is 45 minutes. By float plane, the flight is 30 minutes from Juneau and less than 10 minutes from Hoonah. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.
The cabin has good access to hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing areas. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A fine gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. Neka Hot Springs tub is located 9 miles from the cabin. Visitors can access the hot springs from National Forest System road 8580.
The cabin is built on a spur road edging out onto tidal, estuary flats at the head of Port Frederick. This area offers excellent opportunities for viewing scenery and wildlife, which includes whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. The front deck of the cabin looks out over the tide flats and the surrounding mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest.
Neka Hot Springs
$45 - $60 / night
Kennel Creek Cabin is located near Kennel Creek along the south shore of Freshwater Bay, on the northeast side of Chichagof Island. It offers visitors excellent opportunities for recreation and viewing scenery and wildlife. This is a primitive cabin with no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities. The cabin is generally available year-round, depending on weather, and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska. For questions regarding cabin access and before driving to the cabin from Hoonah, please check in with the Hoonah Ranger District (430 Airport Road) during business hours or call 907-945-3631 for road conditions and cabin access. The cabin may be inaccessible via road for many months of the year.
The cabin has good access to hunting and both freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. For information about hunting and fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. There is also a boat ramp and dock facility nearby.
The cabin has good access to hunting and both freshwater and saltwater fishing areas. For information about hunting and fishing permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website. A gravel beach in front of the cabin is suitable for landing and launching small boats. Tide tables should be consulted prior to any boating excursion. There is also a boat ramp and dock facility nearby.
The cabin rests on the south shoreline of Freshwater Bay. Views from the cabin___s balcony and deck overlook the bay and surrounding snow peaked mountains. The cabin is backed by dense evergreen forest. Kennel Creek, an anadromous fish stream flows into Freshwater Bay about 200 yards away. This area offers abundant wildlife, including whales, brown bear, deer, shorebirds and a variety of small mammals. Please learn about bear safety and precautions.
The Bear Paw Lake Trail system is located approximately 4 miles northwest of the cabin on National Forest System road 8508.
$45 - $60 / night
Skater's Cabin Shelter is located on the shore of the southwest corner of Mendenhall Lake, near the Mendenhall Glacier. The cabin was constructed in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps and is made with natural stone.
The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery, biking, picnicking, and hiking.
The Shelter has a maximum capacity of 20 people. The maximum group size allowed with this reservation is 74 people. The cabin is equipped with a covered porch and two movable picnic tables along with a wood stove. Outside facilities include a large group fire ring in front of the cabin and a stationary wood picnic table and a fire ring adjacent to the southwest corner of the cabin. The area is accessed by a trail that meets accessibility guidelines and leads to the beach.
A potable water hydrant and accessible vault toilets are also provided. The picnic area has two additional picnic sites with fire rings and tables designated for non-group use (they are not a part of this reservable site).
Skater's Cabin is on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of massive Mendenhall Glacier that is surrounded by mountains that rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the glacier.
