Upper Russian Lake Cabin
Open — Open year-round for reservations. Russian River Campground trailhead is closed through November 30, 2025, but the cabin remains accessible via the Snug Harbor Road trailhead (9 miles). Check-in and check-out time is 12:00 p.m.
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
Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a charming 12x14-foot rustic log cabin located on the northern shore of Upper Russian Lake in Chugach National Forest. Originally built in the 1950s and recently refurbished to maintain its old-fashioned trapper cabin charm, it sits in an open grove of giant cottonwood trees with stunning views of the lake and surrounding mountains. The cabin sleeps 4 people and includes basic amenities: a wood stove for heat, table, splitting maul, crosscut saw, and an outhouse. A rowboat with oars is provided for exploring the lake. Visitors enjoy fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout on Upper Russian Lake. The surrounding area offers excellent hiking on the Russian Lakes Trail, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and seasonal snowmobiling. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with moose, black bears, brown bears, and wolves inhabiting the forest. The cabin is accessible year-round via the Russian Lakes Trail: 9 miles from the Cooper Lake trailhead on Snug Harbor Road or 12 miles from Russian River Campground (when open). Visitors must bring their own bedding, cooking utensils, food, and be prepared for backcountry conditions. There is no running water, electricity, mattresses, or pre-cut firewood. Winter travelers should be prepared to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Reservations are available up to 180 days in advance through Recreation.gov.
Directions
Access via Russian Lakes Trail: 9 miles from Cooper Lake trailhead on Snug Harbor Road or 12 miles from Russian River Campground (when open). Winter parking for Upper Russian Trailhead is at mile 9 of Snug Harbor Road; the last 3 miles are not plowed in winter. Can also be accessed by floatplane.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | — |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $50 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| mailroom_r10_chugach@usda.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (907) 288-3178 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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