Res Pass South to Juneau Lake

The feel

The trail climbs gradually for the first 3 miles through spruce and birch forest above the Kenai River. It then levels off in the wide Juneau Creek valley, passing lakes, muskegs and groves of aspens.

Juneau Lake Cabin sits on the eastern shore of the lake at an elevation of 1,300 feet, in spruce and birch forest overlooking the water and the mountains. Fishing is available in the lakes along the trail, including Juneau Lake. The 14x17-ft log cabin has bunks, a table, benches, a wood stove and an outhouse.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 18 miles total, with 1200 ft of gain. Forest above the Kenai River, then a level run through the Juneau Creek valley. The cabin is 9.5 miles from the south trailhead. The top is at 1600 ft, from a trailhead at 400 ft.

Time

About 8 hours.

Crowds and best time

Public use is moderate.

Parking

At mile 53.2 of the Sterling Highway, turn north into the trailhead parking area.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse stands outside the cabin. There is no potable water at the cabin, so bring your own or treat or boil lake water.

Season and access

Snow can remain at higher elevations until mid-June. The trail is closed to horse and pack stock from April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Go after mid-June, when the higher ground has shed its snow. Plan on a full day, since the round trip is about 8 hours.

Before you go

• Staying at Juneau Lake Cabin costs $50 to $65 per night; reserve up to 180 days ahead at recreation.gov or 1-877-444-6777.
• Bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food; the cabin has no electricity, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood.
• Camping within 300 feet of the cabin is prohibited without a valid cabin reservation.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 for trail conditions.

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