Trail River Cabin

The feel

Trail River Cabin is a two-story log cabin inside Trail River Campground on Kenai Lake, near Moose Pass in the Chugach National Forest. The campground has beach access and mountain views, and the cabin has counter space, a table, benches and a wood stove for heat. There is no electricity at the cabin.

Anglers can fish Kenai Lake for Dolly Varden, rainbow trout and lake trout, with trout fishing open year-round, though salmon fishing is not open on the lake. In summer you park close and walk to the door; in winter the campground is closed to motor vehicles, and its road and loops are groomed for Nordic skiing.

What to expect

Layout and setting

Two-story log cabin with a wheelchair accessible ramp to the entrance. It sleeps up to 8, and a splitting maul and hand saw are on hand.

Time

Check-in and check-out are at 12pm.

Parking

Turn onto Trail River Road from the Seward Highway at milepost 24.2 and go 2 miles to the campground. Cabin-only parking spots sit next to site 90 on Eagle Point Loop.

Fees and passes

$50 to $75 per night depending on season, plus a non-refundable reservation service fee.

Hazards

Brown and black bears are often spotted in the area, and there is private property near the cabin.

Bathrooms and water

A vault toilet sits 400 feet from the cabin in the campground loop. Potable water is in the campground and must be hauled to the cabin; water and trash disposal are only available when the campground is open in summer.

Season and access

Open year-round; summer access is a 0.1 mile walk, and winter access is a 1.1 to 1.2 mile ski or snowshoe in past the campground gate.

Mingo says

Summer is the easy trip: you park beside the cabin loop and walk a few steps in. In winter, plan on skis or snowshoes for the last stretch past the gate. Until the end of August, snow still holds on the high peaks above the lake.

Before you go

• Reserve on recreation.gov up to 180 days ahead, or call 1-877-444-6777.
• Pack sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food, plus cut firewood, since none is supplied.
• Bring a container to haul drinking water from the campground.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178, Monday to Friday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, with questions before you book or go.

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