Trail River Cabin
The two-story log cabin has bunk space for seven and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. A vault toilet is located 400ft from the cabin in the campground loop.
There is no electricity, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food.
Potable water is located in the campground and must be hauled to the cabin. Trash should be disposed of in the dumpsters located in the campground or the transfer station located at mile 24 of the Seward Highway. Potable water and trash disposal are only available when the campground is open during the summer season.
Reservations
Make Reservations HereVisit recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 (overseas: 518-885-3639) to check availability and make a reservation. Cabin reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.
General Information
The Trail River Cabin is a relatively new addition to the Chugach National Forest. With its proximity to our Seward Ranger District office and a campground nearby, this cabin is easier to access than our more remote cabins.
The Trail River Cabin is located on the edge of Kenai Lake nestled in woods of hemlock, cottonwood, Sitka spruce, and aspen. The Chugach National Forest covers the eastern half of the Kenai Peninsula and extends around Prince William Sound. It covers over 5 million acres and is characterized by jagged mountains, deep fjords, glacier-fed rivers, and dense forests. This rich natural area supports many miles of productive fishing streams as well as wildlife populations.
Brown bears and black bears are often spotted in the area. Click here to learn more about staying safe in bear country. Make your campsite less attractive to bears by practicing good Leave No Trace principles and learn more about outdoor safety and ethics.
Visitors should be aware that there is private property in the vicinity of the cabin.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Check-in/Check-out time is 12pm.
A permit is required to fish at the Trail River Cabin. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's website to review fishing regulations and purchase a license.
Per night prices range from $50-60 depending on the season. Cabin fees are based on non-peak/peak season. Seasons vary by cabin. A non-refundable service fee will be added to each reservation by Recreation.gov
Address: 33599 Ranger Station Spur (mile marker 23.5) Seward, AK 99664
Phone: (907) 288-3178
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Closed 12:00 to 1:00pm; Closed on weekends (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: mailroom_r10_chugach@usda.gov
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 60.4134
Longitude: -149.38613
Directions
Turn west onto Trail River Road at milepost 24.2 of the Seward Highway. The cabin is at the end of the road by site number 90.
Parking
Parking is available at the Trail River Campground area. The gate to the campground is closed in the winter adding a 1.1-mile ski or hike to the cabin.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
The Trail River Cabin has a wheelchair accessible ramp to the entrance.
Restrooms
VAULT TOILET AVAILABLE AT CAMPGROUNDPicnic Tables
Picnic tables are available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Fishing - Lake & PondFishing - Lake & Pond Info
Visitors can fish the Kenai Lake for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and salmon during the open seasons. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's website to review fishing regulations and purchase a license.
Note: Salmon fish counts are monitored throughout Alaska and determine the daily limits for sport, commercial and subsistence fishing. Anyone fishing in Alaska should be aware that the limits are subject to change and/or restriction depending on the fish count.
Emergency orders, often restricting the harvest of king salmon, can be issued at any time and have the same force and effect as law. Be sure to check the ADF&G's Emergency Order and Press Releases page prior to fishing.
Viewing SceneryViewing Scenery Info
Trees do obscure views of the lake from the cabin, however, it is just a short walk to the lake shore.