Campground

Denver Caboose Cabin

Tongass National Forest
Near Skagway, Alaska

Facilities

The cabin sleeps six people and contains a double bunk and four single bunks. This includes a bunk in the nicknamed "observatory penthouse" that has windows on all sides and an access ladder. Other amenities include a table with benches, an oil heater (#1 stove oil), food preparation space, a campfire ring and an outhouse. Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream uphill from the cabin, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it ( water safety tips ). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Heating oil is not provided, so visitors must supply their own. One gallon of #1 stove oil will last about a day on the lowest heat setting. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving ( click here for more cabin details).

Natural Features

Denver Caboose Cabin offers excellent views of the East Fork Skagway River and the Sawtooth Mountains. It is surrounded by spruce and hemlock rainforest. Black bears and moose are common in this area ( bear safety information ). Mountain goats can frequently be seen with binoculars.

Recreation

A 4.5-mile trail to Denver Glacier starts at the cabin site. The trail follows a river and has many scenic overlooks. The nearby terrain is rugged and brushy.

Recreation Sites

  • Cabin Nonelectric
  • Overnight

Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing
  • Hiking
  • Camping

Amenities

  • Toilet
  • Fire Pit
  • Oil Heating

Getting Here

Latitude
59° 30' 5.0000" N
Longitude
135° 13' 35.0000" W
The cabin is approximately 5.5 miles north of Skagway along the East Fork of the Skagway River. The cabin is beside the railroad tracks at the Denver Glacier Trailhead. Access is via the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from May 1 through September 30. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance for train transportation. Rate information and reservations are available by calling the railroad at (800) 343-7373.

Need to Know

  • This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
  • Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
  • Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
  • Please pack out all trash and food
  • Please collect dead/down wood only for use in the fire ring
  • Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
  • Cabin cannot be reserved when railroad is not operating
  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

    • Contact Information

    Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
    JUNEAU, AK 99801

    For campground inquiries, please call: 907-586-8800

    Additional Information