Cache Mountain Cabin

The feel

Cache Mountain Cabin is a primitive cabin with a woodstove, bunks, a cooking counter and an eating area, plus a woodshed outside. There is no electricity, no indoor plumbing and no cell phone coverage. The cabin can be seen from the Cache Mountain Loop Trail.

It is reached off the Steese Highway rather than the Elliott, from the McKay Creek Trailhead at milepost 42.5, the most direct route from Fairbanks. Skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, snowmobiling, dog mushing and wildlife viewing are the draws nearby, and it sleeps up to 8.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One cabin that sleeps up to 8, with a woodstove, bunks, a cooking counter, an eating area and a woodshed. The Cache Mountain Loop Trail passes in view of it.

Check-in and stay

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

Crowds and best time

Primarily a winter-use cabin.

Fees and reservations

$42/night. Reservable through recreation.gov up to 30 days out.

Dogs

Pets are allowed.

Hazards

Difficult to reach on foot in summer.

Cell signal

No cell phone coverage.

Bathrooms and water

No running water and no indoor plumbing, so bring your own water.

Season and access

Oct 15 to Apr 30; ATVs cannot reach the cabin May 1 to October 14. About 19.5 miles from the McKay Creek Trailhead (milepost 42.5 on the Steese Highway) via the McKay Creek and Trail Creek trails.

Mingo says

Come between October 15 and April 30 and travel on skis, snowshoes, a snowmobile or a dog team. Summer on foot is hard going.

Before you go

• Reserve on recreation.gov, up to 30 days ahead, at $42/night.
• Start at the McKay Creek Trailhead, milepost 42.5 on the Steese Highway.
• Bring your own water, and plan for no cell phone coverage.

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