Swan Lake Cabin (Seward Ranger District)

The feel

Swan Lake Cabin is a rustic log cabin north of the Sterling Highway, set back from the eastern tip of Swan Lake. Spruce and birch forest surrounds it, with views of the lake and nearby mountains. Inside are counter space, a table, benches and a wood stove.

You get there on the Resurrection Pass Trail, 12.8 miles from the south trailhead, or by floatplane. A rowboat with oars is provided, and the lake has rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden and sockeye salmon. Berries ripen in the area from mid-July through mid-September.

What to expect

Layout and setting

One log cabin with bunks for six, counter space, a table, benches, a wood stove, a splitting maul, a saw and an outhouse, with a rowboat provided.

Check-in and stay

Sleeps up to 8. Stays are capped at 7 consecutive nights per 30 days, and 3 nights from May 15 to Aug 31.

Fees and reservations

$75/night. Reservable up to 6 months out.

Hazards

Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse is provided. No potable water, so bring your own, or treat or boil lake water before drinking it.

Season and access

Year-round. Hike 12.8 miles from the Resurrection Pass South Trailhead at milepost 53.2 on the Sterling Highway, or take a floatplane, 30 minutes from Moose Pass or 15 minutes from Cooper Landing. The trail is closed to horse and pack stock from April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Come between mid-July and mid-September for ripe berries along with the fishing. Winter trips need avalanche and lake-ice judgment.

Before you go

• Bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. There are no mattresses, bedding or cut firewood.
• Bring your own fishing gear and a permit to fish or hunt.
• Book the Resurrection Pass Trail cabin, not the fly-in-only West Swan Lake Cabin.

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