West Swan Lake Cabin
Chugach National Forest
West Swan Lake Cabin is in a very remote area on the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. Swan Lake is just steps away from the cabin, with great fishing and boating opportunities.
There is no trail access to this cabin. Cross country travel in this area is very difficult. This cabin is reachable only by float plane during the ice free seasons, and can be reached by snowmobile, hiking or skiing when the lake is frozen and travel is safe. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The log cabin has bunk space for six 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 handsaw are available. An outhouse is also provided.
There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring water, food, sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove and cooking gear. Water taken from the lakes and streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out.
Need to Know
- This is WEST Swan Lake Cabin located in the Kenai Mountains, not Swan Lake Cabin on the Resurrection Pass Trail or Swan Lake Cabin near Petersburg.
- 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
- In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land); contact the Seward Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods
- There is no source of fresh water near the cabin; visitors must bring their own, or boil and treat water taken from the lakes or streams.
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
- All garbage and food must be packed out
- Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) that limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person
- It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a valid cabin reservation.
- Occupying a Public Recreation cabin with more than eight individuals per cabin for each permitted day is prohibited.
- Camping, pitching tents, or staying overnight within 300 feet of any public recreation use cabin is prohibited unless you have a valid cabin reservation.
- It is prohibited to hitch, tether, or hobble any saddle or pack animal including dog teams, within 200 feet of an established trail, water source, or developed recreation site, including Forest Service recreation cabins.
- Camping and/ or occupying any one Public Recreation Use Cabin for a period longer than seven consecutive days by any person or group including but not limited to family members, members of the same household, and members of the same camping party within a 30 day period, and three consecutive days May 15 to August 31.
- Learn more about Chugach 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.
Natural Features
The cabin is located north of Sterling Highway on the northwest corner of Swan Lake. It is set in an open grove of cottonwood trees, with views of nearby mountains. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.
For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District.
Recreation
Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden and sockeye salmon in Swan Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state; click here for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations.
In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou and wolves in the surrounding forest.
Contact Information
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Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur SEWARD AK 99664
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
Access is via floatplane (30 minutes from Moose Pass, 15 minutes from Cooper Landing). For winter travel, the cabin is 2 miles northwest of the Resurrection Pass Trail alongside Swan Lake. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land). Please contact the Seward Ranger District office for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. For more current travel conditions call the district office. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and is open to over-snow motorized vehicles from Dec. 1 to April 30 every other winter season, beginning with the winter of 2007-2008. It is closed to motorized vehicles every other winter season beginning with the 2008-2009 winter season.
Available Campsites
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