Dale Clemens Cabin

The feel

Dale Clemens Cabin is a rustic Forest Service public recreation cabin near Seward in the Chugach National Forest, with views of Resurrection Bay. It sits at about 1,750 feet, just above tree line among mountain meadows and groves of hemlock and spruce. The cabin measures 14 x 18 feet and has a table, benches, a counter, wooden bunks, a loft and an oil drip stove.

You walk in on the Lost Lake Trail, so there is no driving to the door. There is no electricity and no potable water, and an outhouse stands nearby. Public use of the trail is heavy in summer and moderate in winter.

What to expect

Layout and setting

14 x 18 foot log cabin with a loft, wooden bunks, a table, benches, a counter, an oil drip stove and an outhouse. It sleeps up to 8 people.

Check-in and stay

Check-in and check-out are both at 12 p.m. Stays are limited to 3 consecutive days May 15 to August 31 and 7 consecutive days otherwise within 30 days.

Crowds and best time

Lost Lake Trail use is heavy in summer and moderate in winter. The trail often is not open to foot travel until mid-June.

Parking and rig size

Park at the Lost Lake Trailhead on the Seward Highway at milepost 5, Scott Way.

Fees and reservations

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

Hazards

Winter needs avalanche and ice evaluation skills. Bikes and horses are not recommended on the access trail because of rock steps, water bars and 12-inch boardwalks.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse is at the cabin. There is no potable water, so bring your own, or treat or boil water from lakes or streams.

Season and access

Open year-round. The summer hike is 4.5 miles from the trailhead and the winter route is 2.5 miles. The trail is closed to pack and saddle stock April 1 to June 30 and to motor vehicles May 1 to Nov. 30.

Mingo says

Go from mid-June onward, when the trail usually clears for hikers. Summer is rated moderate, while winter is rated more difficult, so match the season to your experience. Plan winter trips only if you can judge avalanche and ice conditions.

Before you go

• Book on Recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777, up to 180 days ahead.
• Bring 1 gallon of kerosene or number one fuel oil per night June to August, and 2 gallons per night the rest of the year.
• Pack bedding, mattresses and cooking utensils, since none are supplied.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 with questions.

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