Crescent Saddle Cabin

Campground · Alaska · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area (National Heritage Area) · Restricted Access

1
Bookable site
up to 8
People per site
1,478 ft
Elevation
CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN
Photo: CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN · Recreation.gov

Overview

Elodea has been found in Crescent Lake in 2023. Please stop aquatic hitchikers and use clean, drain, dry methods to prevent the spread of elodea. For more information on elodea.  

Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a remote and secluded place to stay in the Kenai Mountains of southeastern Alaska. It is difficult to access, but rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding region. Winter travel is recommended only for those with experience in the backcountry.


This site can be accessed by hiking, skiing, snowmobile and floatplane. Not recommended for horseback or bikes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Fishing on Crescent Lake is very popular for grayling. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin, but life jackets and fishing equipment are not provided.

In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and Dall sheep.

Hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities. There is extreme avalanche danger on the Crescent Creek Trail in winter and early spring. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake crosses several avalanche chutes and should not be used in the winter.

Facilities

The cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is also provided.

There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption.

Natural Features

The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway on the Crescent Lake Trail. It overlooks Crescent Lake, at an elevation of about 1,450 feet. The cabin is set back from the lake, amid a scattered forest and lots of wildflowers in the warmer months.

In addition to avalanche danger, high winds may sweep across the lake, causing danger for small boats and planes. 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.

The facts

  • 1 bookable site
  • Up to 8 people per site
  • Loops: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

Site types

  • 1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Crescent Saddle Cabin

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
S17AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABINCabin Nonelectric—Gravel—8

Getting there

Access is by trail, 7 miles from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or (10.7 miles from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin is also accessible by floatplane.

Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Refer to USGS maps Seward B7, C7 and C8. Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.

Learn more about Carter Lake and Crescent Creek.

60.44532, -149.50575 · 60°26'43.2"N 149°30'20.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 66°F in Jul, down to 24°F in Jan.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F242935455563666455423027
Low °F91314273442474538271712
Precip in3.55.32.22.32.11.72.43.86.05.44.23.4

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 4.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance. 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.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Lake view.
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov
Bunks
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Member photos

Common questions about Crescent Saddle Cabin

Can you reserve a site at Crescent Saddle Cabin?
Yes, Crescent Saddle Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Crescent Saddle Cabin have?
1 site.

Also listed by

Crescent Saddle Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Crescent Saddle Cabin's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • Per night prices range from $50-60 (2018 prices) depending on season. Cabin fees are based on non-peak/peak season. Seasons vary by cabin. A non-refundable service fee will be added to each reservation by Recreation.gov

Restrictions:

  • Trails are closed to motorized use May 1- November 30. Trails are closed to pack/saddle stock April 1- June 30. Crescent Lake Trail not recommended for horses and bicycles.

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Crescent Saddle Cabin

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.