Caribou Creek Cabin Review

Planning a trip to Caribou Creek Cabin along Resurrection Pass in Alaska? This public-use cabin sits next to a creek in the Kenai Mountains.

I can’t even count how many times I’ve stayed at Caribou Creek Cabin. I guess I just love planning overnight trips to this cabin because of its location and peaceful setting next to the creek.

The trail to the cabin is a 7.1-mile one-way hike from the north trailhead in Hope or a 31.8-mile one-way hike from the Resurrection Pass Trail South in Cooper Landing. You can also access it from Devils Pass.

In this post, I’m going to review the Caribou Creek public use cabin.

Caribou Creek Cabin Review

Caribou Creek Cabin is a public use cabin that sits above Caribou Creek in the Kenai Mountains near Hope. It’s available to reserve year-round, although it can be difficult to access during certain times of the year due to snow conditions.

Cabin Amenities

• Wooden sleeping platforms
• Wood heating stove
• Wood table with bench seating
• Small deck
• Pit latrine
• Fire ring

The cabin is equipped with a wood heating stove. Cabin users are responsible for supplying their own wood, but you may find some that the previous guest left behind. A splitting maul and saw are available on-site.

The cabin is small and sleeps six people on two wooden sleeping platforms. The maximum occupancy is eight people. The cabin is very clean.

A fire ring can be found out front. There are some trees nearby that make the perfect hammock spot.

There is NO running water, electricity, or trash service in the cabin. You will have to pack out what you pack in. You may want to bring some cleaning wipes so you can tidy up before and after your stay.

I will say that the outhouse can get super gross in the middle of summer. I think because of its location, it probably gets used by other hikers that are just passing by. Just be warned!

Caribou Creek is near the cabin which you can use as a water source. Make sure to purify your water before using it.

Caribou Creek Cabin Location

The trail to the cabin starts from the Resurrection Pass Trail in Hope, which is about a 1 hour and 45 minute drive from Anchorage.

The cabin sits just above Caribou Creek and is surrounded by a spruce and birch forest and you’ll have views of the Kenai Mountains out the front window.

The cabin faces the creek and if you want to walk down to the creek, it takes less than a minute. Berries ripen in this area from mid-July through mid-September.

Parking is included in the cost of the cabin. Make sure to print out your Alaska State Parks parking permit and fill in your registration number to avoid getting a ticket.

Trail Difficulty

Resurrection Pass Trail North to Caribou Creek Cabin – 7.1 miles one-way

From Resurrection Pass Trail North, it’s 7.1 miles one-way. It takes less than 3 hours to reach the cabin this way, which makes it the ideal route for an overnight trip.

Resurrection Pass Trail South to Caribou Creek Cabin – 31.8 miles one-way

From Resurrection Pass Trail South, it’s 31.8 miles one-way. The trail is well-maintained and usually highly trafficked during the summer months. This would be the longer route to reach the cabin.

Winter Access

During the winter, the last mile of road to the trailhead is not plowed. Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. For more current travel conditions call the park rangers.

It’s important to note that winter access can be very difficult on foot or bike. It’s much easier during odd years, which is when motorized use is allowed on the trail. This allows snow machines to help pack down a good trail for hiking or fat-biking to the cabin.

How to Reserve Caribou Creek Public Use Cabin

To reserve the cabin, you will need to visit the reservation site here. The cabin costs $75 per night during peak season (May 1-Sep 30).

Check-in/Check-out Times

• Check-in time: 12:00 p.m.
• Check-out time: 12:00 p.m.

Resurrection Pass Trail Public Use Cabins

There are eight public use cabins along the trail. It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a cabin permit, so make sure to book your reservation online.

Here is a list of cabins with mile markers:

Conclusion: Here’s What I Really Think…

If you’re looking for an overnight backpacking adventure near Hope, Alaska, then I recommend staying at Caribou Creek Cabin.

The cabin is situated in a great location and you can choose to either hike or bike in. I love how peaceful it is next to the creek.

---

Pin This Post For Later

Do you have any questions about the this public use cabin in Cooper Landing? Leave them in the comments.