Crescent Lake Cabin

The feel

Crescent Lake Cabin is a 12 x 14-foot rustic cabin at the northwest end of Crescent Lake, close to tree line with views of nearby mountains. It sits at an elevation of about 1,450 feet and has a table, a wood stove, an outhouse and a rowboat with oars.

Fishing in Crescent Lake is very popular for grayling. The cabin sleeps six and sits at the end of the 6.5-mile Crescent Creek Trail.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One 12 x 14-foot cabin at the northwest end of Crescent Lake near tree line. It sleeps 6 and has a table, wood stove, splitting maul, crosscut saw, outhouse and a rowboat with oars.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are at 12pm. Stays are limited to seven consecutive days, and three consecutive days from May 15 to August 31.

Parking and rig size

Parking is at the trailhead, which is at mile 45 of the Sterling Highway, then 3.2 miles up Quartz Creek Road.

Fees and reservations

$75/night. Book at Recreation.gov up to 180 days ahead, or call 1-877-444-6777.

Kids

The trail is not recommended for small children.

Hazards

Extreme snow avalanche danger on Crescent Creek Trail in winter and early spring. High winds sweep across the lake and are dangerous for small boats. Shallow flooding sits at both ends of the outlet bridge, and the bridge stays passable.

Bathrooms and water

No fresh water source is near the cabin. Bring your own, or boil or treat lake and stream water. An outhouse stands at the cabin.

Season and access

Open year-round. Crescent Creek Trail is closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30 and to pack and saddle stock April 1 to June 30. Winter access is via Carter Lake Trail and the frozen Crescent Lake.

Mingo says

Treat winter as an avalanche trip and leave the creek trail alone. Use the Carter Lake Trail route across the frozen lake instead, except in extreme avalanche hazard.

Before you go

• Bring life vests if you plan to use the rowboat, since none are provided.
• Pack bedding, a mattress, cooking utensils, cut firewood and fishing gear; none are included.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178 for access and trail conditions.

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