Planning a trip to Juneau Lake Cabin along Resurrection Pass? This public use cabin sits above Juneau Lake near Cooper Landing, Alaska.
The trail to the cabin is a 9.5-mile one-way hike from the Resurrection Pass Trail South or a 29.5-mile one-way hike from the north trailhead. You can also access it from Devils Pass.
In this post, I’m going to review the Juneau Lake public use cabin.
Juneau Lake Cabin Review
Juneau Lake Cabin is a public use cabin that sits above Juneau Lake in the Kenai Mountains near Cooper Landing. 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
- Canoes with paddles
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 6 people on two wooden sleeping platforms. The cabin is very clean.
A fire ring can be found outside the back and it also has some wood stumps for seating around it.
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.
Juneau Lake is near the cabin which you can use as a water source. Make sure to purify your water before using it.
Juneau Lake Cabin Location
The trail to the cabin starts from the Resurrection Pass Trail in Cooper Landing, which is about a 2-hour drive from Anchorage.
From Anchorage, drive south on the Seward Highway for 87 miles. Take a slight right onto the Sterling Highway. Continue for 16 miles through Cooper Landing. Resurrection Pass Trail South parking lot will be on your right.
The cabin sits on the eastern shore of Juneau Lake at an elevation of 1,300 feet. It is surrounded by a spruce and birch forest and the incredible Kenai Mountains.
The views of the lake from the cabin are amazing. If you want to walk down to the lake, it’s a very short trip down a series of steps.
You’ll also find two canoes with paddles down by the lake that you can use. One of the canoes does have a small leak in it so be careful!
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 South to Juneau Lake Cabin – 9.5 miles one-way
From Resurrection Pass Trail South, it’s 9.5 miles one-way. The trail is well-maintained and usually highly trafficked during the summer months. It takes about 3 hours to reach the cabin this way, which makes it the quickest route.
Resurrection Pass Trail North to Juneau Lake Cabin – 29.5 miles one-way
From Resurrection Pass Trail North, it’s 29.5 miles one-way. This would be the longer route and wouldn’t make sense to access the cabin from this side unless you were biking in.
Devils Pass to Juneau Lake Cabin – 17.4 miles one-way
You can also access the cabin from Devils Pass Trail. This route is about 17.4 miles, and it’s another great trail to bike in from.
There are a total of eight public use cabins along this trail if you want to add another night or two to your trip.
Winter Access
Due to snow conditions, winter travel to Juneau Lake Cabin from the south trailhead is not recommended due to steep, icy, narrow side hills. Instead you can take the Bean Creek Trail, which is the common winter route access.
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.
Nearby Activities
If you have enough time, you can take the canoes out on the lake. Bring your fishing license if you want to fish for whitefish, burbot, grayling, and rainbow/lake trout.
How to Reserve Juneau Lake 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:
Northbound
Trout Lake Cabin (Mile 7.3)
Romig Cabin (Mile 9.0)
Juneau Lake Cabin (Mile 9.5)
Swan Lake Cabin (Mile 12.7)
Southbound
Caribou Creek Cabin (Mile 7.1)
Fox Creek Cabin (Mile 11.7)
East Creek Cabin (Mile 14.5)
Devils Pass Cabin (Mile 21.5)
Conclusion: Here’s What I Really Think…
If you’re looking for an overnight backpacking adventure near Cooper Landing Alaska, then I recommend staying at Juneau Lake Cabin.
Resurrection Pass Trail is an incredible thru-hike in a beautiful area that everyone should experience. The cabin is situated in a great location and the views from the cabin deck are amazing!
I also love that there are canoes to use, which add an extra level of FUN to your adventure.
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Do you have any questions about the this public use cabin in Cooper Landing? Leave them in the comments.
