Facility Details - DENVER CABOOSE CABIN, AK

Overview

This unique cabin is a refurbished 1960s railroad caboose that is retired from the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. It is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike, ski or snowshoe to the Denver Glacier.

Access to Denver Caboose Cabin is via the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30. The cabin is closed to reservations in the off-season, since the surrounding area is owned by the railroad. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

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 nearby terrain is rugged and brushy, but the trail and tracks offer plenty of hiking, snowshoeing and skiing opportunities, depending on the weather.

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).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Birding Cabin Rentals Campfire Rings Cross Country Skiing Heater Hiking	Snowshoeing Table & Chairs Trailheads Trails Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing

Know Before You Go

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

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
59.50139, -135.22639
59°30'5"N, 135°13'35"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.