Trail River Cabin picnic table and fire ring overlooking Kenai Lake.
Two-story log cabin with large front porch and ramp.
A side view of the two-story log cabin showing the ramp and stairs that lead up to the front porch.

Trail River Cabin

Open — Open year-round with reservations available up to 180 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Summer access is a short 0.1-mile walk from parking. Winter access requires a 1.2-mile ski or snowshoe from the campground gate as the road is groomed for cross-country skiing. Potable water and trash disposal only available during summer when the campground is open.

Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to proc

Regional Order No. 10-00-00-04-01 - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol

TONGASS and CHUGACH NATIONAL FORESTS Regional Office Juneau, Alaska Order No. 10-00-00-04-01REGIONAL ORDEROccupancy and Use

Regional Order No. R-10-96-01 - Forest Development Roads and Trails

R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-96-1 7730EFFECTIVE 5/17/96 Page 10 of 117731.14 - EXHIBIT 01ORDER NO. R-10-96-01FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILSALASKA REGION

10-04-00-26-01 Winter Motorized Vehicle Closure

To prevent resource damage from snowmachine use in areas where inadequate snow conditions exist, some Kenai Peninsula areas of the Chugach National Forest are closed to snowmachine use areas.

10-04-00-24-05 - Developed Recreation Sites, Public Use Cabins Prohibitions

Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.50(a) and (b), the following acts are prohibited within the Chugach National Forest:Cutting any standing tree within 150 feet of a Public Use Cabin, Developed Recreation Site or Administrative Use Site.

10-04-00-17-09 Winter Motorized Vehicle Use

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on certain lands administered by the Forest Service within the Chugach National Forest:

10-04-04-12-08 Copper River Delta Winter Motor Vehicle Closure

The use of snowmachines (snowmobiles and all motorized over snow vehicles, including off highway vehicles) and the landing of, or the dropping or picking up of any materials, supplies, or persons by means of, helicopters that are utilized for t winter recreational activities is prohibited in the

10-04-00-05-01 - Winter Motor Vehicle Closure Prince William Sound

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50 (a), the following acts are prohibited on the Chugach National Forest:Certain motor vehicle use except for subsistence uses from December 1 through April 30 of each year:

10-04-00-04-03 - Motor Vehicle Closure Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Acquired Lands

Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a) the operation of motor vehicles is prohibited in the following areas:

About

Trail River Cabin is a relatively new addition to the Chugach National Forest cabin system, offering a family-friendly getaway with easier access than remote backcountry cabins. The two-story log cabin sits on the edge of Kenai Lake, surrounded by hemlock, cottonwood, Sitka spruce, and aspen forests with stunning views of the Kenai Mountains. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people with bunk space for seven. It includes counter space, a table, benches, and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are provided. A vault toilet is located 400 feet away in the campground loop. The cabin features a wheelchair-accessible ramp to the entrance. Visitors must bring their own sleeping bags and pads, cook stove, cooking gear, and food, as there is no electricity, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils, or cut firewood provided. The location offers excellent fishing opportunities for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout, and lake trout in Kenai Lake and the nearby Trail River. Within a one-mile radius are five trails including Falls Creek Trail, Crown Point Mine Road, Ptarmigan Creek Trail, and Vagt Lake Trail, all providing access to the Iditarod National Historic Trail. The area is home to both brown bears and black bears. During winter when the campground is closed, the campground roads are groomed for freestyle and Nordic skiing, providing scenic access to the cabin.

Directions

From Anchorage, drive south on Seward Highway approximately 100 miles. At milepost 24.2, turn west onto Trail River Road and follow for 2 miles to the campground. Turn right to the Eagle Point Loop. The cabin is located near site 90. Look for cabin-only parking and do not park in campsite spaces. In winter, park outside the campground gate and ski approximately 1.2 miles to the cabin.

Nearby Campgrounds

Amenities

Water Yes
Fires Allowed Yes
Toilets Yes
Dump Station No
Wifi No
Pets Allowed
Showers No
Electric Hookups
Water Hookups
Sewer Hookups
Camp Store No
Price $75

Vehicle

Max RV Length
Max Trailer Length
Big Rig Friendly No
Pull Through Sites No

Contact

Email mailroom_r10_chugach@usda.gov
Phone +1 (907) 288-3178

Cell Service

AT&T None
Verizon Yes
T-Mobile None

Availability

Photos

Trail River Cabin picnic table and fire ring overlooking Kenai Lake.
Two-story log cabin with large front porch and ramp.
A side view of the two-story log cabin showing the ramp and stairs that lead up to the front porch.
Two-story log cabin with large front porch and ramp.
Two-story log cabin with large front porch and ramp.
View of the downstairs area from the interior stairs.  Showing the kitchen area, wood stove, and table.
Sleeping area upstairs with two moveable sleeping platforms.
Interior of cabin kitchen area consisting of two wall shelves, a corner countertop and two shelves below the countertop. Wood stove to the right of the counter.
Downstair bunks next to wood stove.

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