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Upper Russian Lake Cabin
FSU.S. Forest Service — SEWARD · Alaska · Chugach National Forest
| Agency | FSU.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Area | Chugach National Forest |
| Location | SEWARD · Alaska · Chugach National Forest · 60.35711, -149.89140 · Map |
| Sites | 1 public sites counted from the federal listing — 1 cabin nonelectric |
| Getting a site | Reservable — the federal listing marks this campground as taking reservations. Some sites or seasons may still be first-come; the listing’s own words are below. |
| Hookups | Electric at 0 of 1 sites Water hookups at 0 of 1 sites Sewer hookups at 0 of 1 sites Full hookups (all three at one site) at 0 of 1 sites Counted site by site from affirmative reports in the federal record. A site with no report is not counted either way. |
| Max RV length | Not reported in the federal data |
| Months open | Not in federal data — the federal listing does not publish a season for this campground. Check the official description below or Recreation.gov. |
| Fees | Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance, for three consecutive days maximum per person from May 15 to Aug. 31. Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates. If you cancel a cabin reservation within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the scheduled arrival date are not entitled to a refund. Cancellations for single night use for Alaska cabins will not be assessed a service fee. |
| Check-in / out | In 12:00 PM · Out 12:00 PM (most common in the listing) |
| Accessibility | N |
Check availability & book on Recreation.gov →
This site takes no reservations and shows no live availability. Source: Recreation.gov (RIDB export pulled November 5, 2026); this listing was last updated in the federal record on 2026-10-10.
From the official listing
Overview Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a rustic trapper style log cabin located on Upper Russian lake. It was recently refurbished to keep the old fashioned charm of the 1950s, when it was originally built. Its location provides good fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors enjoy exploring surrounding trails and viewing wildlife.
The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile, and floatplane. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for Dolly Varden and rainbow trout on Upper Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state, click here to learn more about Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations.
In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and wolves in the surrounding forest. Hiking, mountain biking, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling (during open seasons only) are also popular in the area. Learn more about hiking the Russian Lakes Trail Facilities The log cabin has bunk space for six and max. occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. An outhouse is also provided. Firewood can also be cut in the area, using the splitting maul and hand saw supplied at the cabin.
Visitors will need to bring their own water for drinking, cooking and cleaning purposes. Water taken from streams and lakes must be treated or boiled prior to consumption. Visitors will also need to bring their own bedding and sleeping pads, flashlights, cooking gear, food, clothing and cooking utensils, among other necessities. All garbage and food must be packed out. Natural Features The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway, set back from the north shore of Upper Russian Lake. It is surrounded by an open grove of giant cottonwood trees with views of the lake and mountains beyond.
For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics , please contact the Seward Ranger District.
Directions, from the listing
Access to the cabin is via the Russian Lakes Trail, 9 miles from the Russian Lakes Trailhead on Snug Harbor Road or 12 miles from the Russian Lakes Trailhead located in Russian River Campground. Winter parking for Upper Russian Trailhead is located at mile 9 of Snug Harbor Road. The last 3 miles of Snug Harbor Road are not plowed in the winter. Winter parking for Lower Russian Lakes Trailhead is 1 mile back on the campground road and the last mile of the campground road is not plowed. Access the cabin via Russian Lakes Trail (12 miles from Russian River Campground parking area and 9 miles from the Cooper Lake Trailhead). Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. For more current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30 Trail access information for Russian Lakes Trail
Nearest federal campgrounds
3 mi straight-line · SEWARD AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceBarber Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK)
6 mi straight-line · SEWARD AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceCooper Creek South
9 mi straight-line · SEWARD AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceRussian River
9 mi straight-line · SEWARD AlaskaFSU.S. Forest ServiceQuartz Creek Campground
10 mi straight-line · SEWARD Alaska
Trip Card — Upper Russian Lake Cabin
SEWARD · Alaska · Chugach National Forest
| Agency | FS · U.S. Forest Service |
|---|---|
| Location | SEWARD · Alaska · Chugach National Forest |
| Fees | Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance, for three consecutive days maximum per person from May 15 to Aug. 31. Only one change per reservation for … |
| Getting a site | Reservable |
| Hookups | None reported |
| Max RV | Not reported |
| Months open | Not in federal data |
| Sites | 1 sites |
Book: recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233006 · Source: Recreation.gov, pulled November 5, 2026. Facility details come from federal recreation data and may be out of date — this site takes no reservations and shows no live availability; confirm details and book through Recreation.gov or the managing agency.