Crow Pass Cabin

The feel

A 16x16-foot A-frame sits in open tundra above the tree line near Crystal Lake, at about 3,500 ft in the Chugach Mountains. Low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers surround it, and Black and brown bears, wolves and moose also live here. Inside, a main floor and sleeping loft hold wooden bunks and a table with benches for up to 6.

Getting there is a 3-mile hike from the Crow Pass Trailhead, climbing 2,080 feet, with small stream crossings just before the cabin.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One 16x16-foot A-frame cabin above the tree line near Crystal Lake, with a main floor and sleeping loft. It sleeps up to 6, with wooden bunks, a table with benches, a kerosene stove and an outside pit toilet.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are at 12 p.m. Stays are limited to seven consecutive days.

Crowds and best time

The best time to stay is July to August.

Parking and rig size

Hike-in only. Parking is available at the end of Crow Creek Road.

Fees and reservations

$75 per night, plus a non-refundable service fee added by Recreation.gov. Reservations are required and open up to 180 days ahead.

Dogs

Pets are allowed.

Kids

The trail to the cabin is popular with families but has steep switchbacks in places.

Hazards

Hazardous avalanche conditions can occur as early as October and well into June. The trail may have snow October through mid-June. Bears, wolves and moose live in the area.

Bathrooms and water

An outside pit toilet. No drinking water is provided, so bring your own. A small creek is near the cabin, but treat its water before drinking. Toilet paper is not provided.

Season and access

Open June 1 through October 31 and closed November 1 through May 31. From mile 90 of the Seward Highway, 35 miles south of Anchorage, turn north toward Mt. Alyeska Resort, go 2 miles, then turn left onto Crow Creek Road. The trailhead is at the end of the road, 6 to 7 miles.

Mingo says

Aim for July to August, the best stretch for a stay. Snow storms and whiteouts are frequent up at the cabin, so carry extra supplies for 2 to 5 days.

Before you go

• Book on Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777, and bring your own kerosene, typically one gallon a day.
• Pack bedding, mattresses, a cook stove, lanterns, cookware and toilet paper.
• Carry drinking water or a way to treat creek water.
• Call the Glacier Ranger District at (907) 783-3242 with questions.

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