Aspen Flats Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK)
Aspen Flats Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK)
Part of Chugach National Forest
Overview
Aspen Flats Cabin is a rustic cabin along the Upper Russian River of south-central Alaska. The rustic cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors. There is great fishing in the adjacent Russian River and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears.The site can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing and horseback. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Facilities
The cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches, a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is provided.There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken form the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out.
Natural Features
The cabin is south of the Sterling Highway on the Russian Lakes trail along the Russian River, between the Lower and Upper Russian Lakes. The surrounding area is flat to hilly with scattered spruce and cottonwood, and abundant mountain views.A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. Abundant berries in the area ripen in late July through September. For 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
Dolly Varden and rainbow trout can be found in the Russian River. Fishing for salmon upstream of Russian River Falls is not permitted. Click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations. Sockeye and coho salmon run the river from June to September. The rivers in Alaska are extremely cold, so be prepared with dry clothing.A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail. The trail is closed year-round to motorized vehicles from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin; the remainder of the trail, between Cooper Lake Road and Upper Russian Lake Cabin, is open to motorized vehicles only from Dec. 1 to April 30. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in winter; learn about avalanche safety.
Important Notices
- 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
- High avalanche hazards exist on Russian Lakes Trail in winter.
- Brown bears frequent the area; all food and garbage must be kept in appropriate containers
- There is no source of fresh water near the cabin; guests must bring their own, or boil or treat water taken from 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.
- 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.
Available Activities
- WILDLIFE VIEWING - Wildlife Viewing
- WINTER SPORTS - Cross Country Skiing
- HUNTING - Hunting
- HIKING - Hiking
- FISHING - Fishing
- CAMPING - Camping
- BIKING - Mountain Biking
Directions
<p>Access to the cabin is via the Russian Lakes Trail, 12 miles from the Russian Lakes Trailhead on Snug Harbor Rd. or 9 miles from the trailhead located in Russian River Campground To get to the cabin follow the short cabin access trail, off the main trail. <br><br><br><br>Refer to USGS topographic maps Seward B8 and Kenai B1. <a href="http://ask.usgs.gov/to_order.html" rel="nofollow">Maps</a> are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.<br><br><br><br>Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate conditions and should be prepared for over-ice travel conditions. For current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Motorized access is prohibited in the winter and summer. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30.<br><br><br><br>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recreation/recarea/?recid=16813&actid=51" rel="nofollow">Russian Lakes Trail</a> .</p>
Contact Information
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station SpurSEWARD, AK 99664
