Borealis-LeFevre Cabin

The feel

This is a BLM log cabin in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, sitting on a low bluff on the north side of the Beaver Creek Wild and Scenic River, about four miles upstream from Big Bend. There is no electricity, no running water and no cell coverage, and a wood stove does the heating.

Inside are bunks, a table with benches, a loft and a cooking and eating area. It is one of the few White Mountains cabins with a real, if long, summer hiking option along the Summit Trail, while the Wickersham Creek Trail serves as the winter route.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One cabin that sleeps up to 8, on a low bluff above Beaver Creek. Bunks, a table with benches, a loft and a cooking and eating area inside.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and checkout are both at 12:00 PM.

Parking and rig size

Both trails start at the Wickersham Dome parking area at milepost 28 of the Elliott Highway.

Fees and reservations

$42/night. Reserve on recreation.gov up to 30 days out.

Dogs

Pets are allowed.

Hazards

The last 3 miles of the Summit Trail, near its junction with the Wickersham Trail, are overgrown with willows and alders and can be hard to follow. Beaver Creek can be crossed on foot except during freeze-up before the ice is stable, during break-up, and during high water.

Cell signal

None.

Bathrooms and water

No running water. Bring your own drinking water.

Season and access

Open year-round. Wickersham Creek Trail is about 20 miles of winter trail; Summit Trail is about 20 miles of summer hiking trail, hiking only. ATVs cannot reach the cabin from May 1 to October 14. You can also float Beaver Creek.

Mingo says

If your route crosses Beaver Creek, skip the crossing during freeze-up, break-up and high water. Hike in on foot in summer and use the winter trail when the snow is down.

Before you go

• Book on recreation.gov up to 30 days ahead; the fee is $42/night.
• Call the BLM at (907) 474-2200 for trail information before a long summer hike.
• From Fairbanks, take the Steese Highway north to Fox, then the Elliott Highway north to milepost 28.
• Campfires are allowed, and the cabin has a wood stove.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.