Crescent Saddle Cabin
Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a remote and secluded place to stay in the Kenai Mountains of southeastern Alaska. It is difficult to access, but rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding region. Winter travel is recommended only for those with experience in the backcountry.
This site can be accessed by hiking, skiing, snowmobile and floatplane. Not recommended for horseback or bikes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
The 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 hand saw 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 sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption.
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.
- This is the Crescent Saddle Cabin located on the south-central shore of Crescent Lake, not the Crescent Lake Cabin on the west side of the lake.
- Summer access may be difficult from either end; the creek crossing on the Crater Lake side of Crescent Lake is not bridged and may be difficult to cross during high water.
- The Crescent Lake Trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30, and it is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1 to Nov. 30; the entire primitive trail is not recommended for small children.
- 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.
Natural Features
The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway on the Crescent Lake Trail. It overlooks Crescent Lake, at an elevation of about 1,450 feet. The cabin is set back from the lake, amid a scattered forest and lots of wildflowers in the warmer months.
In addition to avalanche danger, high winds may sweep across the lake, causing danger for small boats and planes. 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
Fishing on Crescent Lake is very popular for grayling. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin, but life jackets and fishing equipment are not provided.
In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and Dall sheep.
Hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities. There is extreme avalanche danger on the Crescent Creek Trail in winter and early spring. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake crosses several avalanche chutes and should not be used in the winter.
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 by trail, 7 miles from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or (10.7 miles from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin is also accessible by floatplane.
Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Refer to USGS maps Seward B7, C7 and C8. Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.
Learn more about Carter Lake and Crescent Creek.
