Upper Russian Lake 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
- 708 ft
- Elevation
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.
The facts
- 1 bookable site
- Up to 8 people per site
- Loops: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Site types
- 1 Cabin Nonelectric
1 campsite at Upper Russian Lake Cabin
Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM
| Site | Loop | Type | Entry | Surface | Max rig | People | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| S04 | AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN | Cabin Nonelectric | — | Gravel | — | 8 |
Getting there
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. Motorized access is prohibited in the winter and summer. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30. Trail access information for Russian Lakes Trail
60.35711, -149.89140 · 60°21'25.6"N 149°53'29.0"W
Typical weather
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Low °F | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Precip in | 3.6 | 3.0 | 2.2 | 1.7 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 1.8 | 3.2 | 6.0 | 6.3 | 4.9 | 5.5 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 7.2 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, 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.
From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Upper Russian Lake Cabin
- Can you reserve a site at Upper Russian Lake Cabin?
- Yes, Upper Russian Lake Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
- How many campsites does Upper Russian Lake Cabin have?
- 1 site.
Also listed by
Upper Russian Lake Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Upper Russian Lake Cabin's operator.
USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026
- Per night prices range from $50-75 (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:
- Russian Lakes Trail is closed year-round to motorized vehicles from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin. The remainder of the trail between Cooper Lake Road and Upper Russain Cabin is open to motorized vehicles from December 1- April 30 only. Russian Lakes Trail is closed to pack/sa
Camping near Upper Russian Lake Cabin
- Aspen Flats Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK) 3 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Barber Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK) 6.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Cooper Creek South 8.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Russian River 9.2 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Quartz Creek Campground 10.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Hidden Lake Campground 12.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Trout Lake Cabin 13.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Crescent Lake Cabin 13.6 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Crescent Saddle Cabin 14.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Eastern Kenai Peninsula 9.1 mi · Facility
- Resurrection River Cabin 10.5 mi · Campground
- Crescent Creek Campground 12 mi · Campground
Contact
- Book Recreation.gov
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.
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