Overview

Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. The trail is popular destination for its historic sites, stunning scenery and wildlife watching opportunities.

The cabin is an ideal stop for visitors hiking the entire length of the trail, which takes an estimated two to three days, or for visitors interesting in a good base camp for mountain climbing in the area.

The site is only accessible from late May through late September due to high avalanche danger the remainder of the year. Getting there requires a 3-mile hike from the Crow Pass Trailhead off Crow Creek Road with an elevation gain of 2,080 feet. The trail may have snow through mid-June, and wet conditions may result in small stream crossings. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin is situated in the Chugach Mountains near Crystal Lake at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. It sits in open tundra above the tree line with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers.

Black and brown bears, wolves and moose inhabit the area (learn about bear safety). Dall sheep, mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and white-tailed ptarmigan may be spotted on the rocky terrain surrounding the cabin.

Recreation:

Crow Pass is a picturesque 24-mile trail offering alpine hiking, trail running and sightseeing opportunities. It is also a good family trail, but does have steep switchbacks in some places. Interesting points between the trailhead and the cabin include the Monarch Mine ruins and waterfalls. The trail continues past the cabin, revealing views of Raven Glacier and the Eagle River.

Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. Hunting is possible, but the activity is tightly regulated in this area with limited permits available.

Facilities:

The cabin is a 16x16-foot, A-frame with a main floor and sleeping loft. It can accommodate 6 people and offers wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, first aid supplies, snow shovel, a broom and an outside pit toilet. A kerosene heater is provided.

Electricity, water and fuel for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene or diesel #1 heating oil (1 gallon will last 4-6 hours), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils.