White Mountains National Recreation Area - Alaska Cabins

Open — Cabins are open year-round with reservations available up to 45 days in advance through Recreation.gov. Winter season is October 15 through April 30, when trails are groomed and cabins are most accessible.

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About

Located just an hour's drive from Fairbanks, the White Mountains National Recreation Area encompasses one million acres of pristine wilderness offering exceptional year-round recreation opportunities. The area features 13 public-use log cabins scattered throughout the White Mountains, providing shelter and comfort for backcountry adventurers. Winter is the prime season, when frozen creeks, rivers, and bogs allow easy access to the heart of the White Mountains via 250 miles of groomed trails. Winter visitors travel by ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike, or snowmobile to reach the cabins, making the White Mountains one of Interior Alaska's premier winter destinations. Most trails accommodate both motorized and non-motorized users, though the Ski Loop Trail and Summit Trail remain non-motorized. Access points are located at mileposts 28 and 57 on the Elliott Highway and milepost 42 on the Steese Highway. During summer months, a few cabins like Fred Blixt Cabin and Lee's Cabin remain accessible, though reaching most cabins becomes more challenging. Summer visitors enjoy hiking, fishing, gold panning, and floating on Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River. Two trail shelters are available first-come, first-served at no charge throughout the year.

Directions

Traveling north from Fairbanks on the Steese Highway through Fox, trailheads are at mileposts 42 and 57. From the Elliott Highway north of Fox, trailheads are at mileposts 28 and 57. Winter access requires ski, snowshoe, dog team, fat bike, or snowmobile to reach cabins along the trail system.