Cabin Descriptions - Anchorage Area
Chugach State Park, near Anchorage
Eklutna Lake Area Serenity Falls Public Use Hut Eagle River Nature Center
Chugach State Park (near Anchorage)
Eklutna Lake Area
Chugach State Park's half million acres are mostly wilderness with
rugged mountains, sweeping glaciers, and abundant wildlife. The park
sits on the eastern edge of Anchorage offers a variety of summer
and winter activities. Eklutna Lake is near the north end of the park
and is located 22 miles north of Anchorage.
Seven mile long Eklutna Lake is surrounded by glacier carved peaks.
The weather changes quickly so be prepared for any kind of weather.
The average temperature in the summer and spring can range from 40°
to 70° and in the winter can get well below zero. Numerous trails
offer hiking, biking, and ATV opportunities in the summer; and snowmachine
and cross county skiing opportunities in the winter. Moose and Dall
sheep can be found in the area for wildlife viewing. Bears are in the
area as well, so please use caution.
This cabin is equipped with wooden sleeping platforms, a wood heating
stove, chairs or benches, and a table. A pit latrine is nearby. Water
is supplied from the lake in the summer or snow in the winter. Please
purify all water before using.
Yuditnu Creek Cabin Fact Sheet (pdf)
Eklutna Lake Trail Map
Note: You must have Acrobat Reader 3.0 or greater to open these pdf
files. Go to the Adobe
Acrobat website to download this free software.
Click here for more information on Chugach State Park.
Serenity Falls Public
Use Hut
The Serenity Falls Public Use Hut is the Alaska State Park System's first
multiple party public use hut that is managed on a reservation basis.
Guests should expect to share the hut with respect and consideration for
others. In fact, the purpose of this facility is to encourage understanding
and cooperation among park users and user groups.
The
hut is located near Mile 12 of the Lakeside Trail in the Upper Eklutna
Lake Valley. During summer months, access to the hut is by foot, bicycle,
or ATV (ATV use is only permitted Sunday through Wednesday, April 1st through November 30th only). Winter access
is by ski or snowshoe. The use of snow vehicles is permitted seven-days
a week once the director has determined that there is sufficient snow
coverage to protect underlying vegetation. The hut is remote and you should
be prepared accordingly. GPS N61 17.654', W 148 58.402'.
Wooden sleeping bunks are provided. You will need a sleeping pad and sleeping
bag. A shared wood stove is available to keep the hut warm. For cooking, bring a camp stove to cook plus
plates, cups and other eating and cooking utensils. Water can be obtained
from the river or Serenity Falls Creek across the river from the hut.
Bring a water filter or plan on boiling your water before drinking. A
latrine is available for hut guests. Sitting benches and tables area available
in the front room. A stainless steel kitchen counter can accommodate up
to two groups preparing food at one time. A firepit and picnic tables
are available outdoors. Dead and down trees may be cut for firewood. To guarantee enough firewood for your trip, plan to bring your own.
Presently there are no restrictions on renting the Serenity Fall. However, rental restrictions may be imposed as the use of the hut increases or if privileges are abused. A single bunk rents for $10/night; a double bunk is $15/night. Sleeping bays range from $25 to $45/night. The cost to rent the entire hut is $115/night.
The hut can accommodate up to 13 guests, if the three double bunks each
accommodate two guests. Hut reservations are from noon to noon. Hut guests
are responsible for cleaning up after themselves. This is especially important
in a hut.
Reservations can be made only in person
with cash, check, money order, travelers' checks, or credit card (MasterCard
or Visa) at the DNR Public Information Center at 550 West 7th Avenue,
Suite 1260, Anchorage, AK 99501. Information on the availability of bunk
space is not available through this website, but you may call 907-269-8400
to check if a date is available.
Serenity Falls Cabin Fact Sheet (pdf)
Eagle River Nature Center
The Friends of Eagle River Nature Center is a non-profit organization
that manages the Nature Center and the surrounding area. The Nature Center
is located at mile 12 of Eagle River Road in Eagle River Valley. The Nature
Center has a cabin and a yurt for rent. The Center also has nature programs,
guided hikes and various other services. Call the Nature Center for a
program and fee schedule.
Access: Approximately 1.25 miles from
the Nature Center along the Iditarod Trail, past the Four Corners intersection
to rock fall area next to freshwater pond. The yurt is approximately 2
miles from the Nature Center along the Albert Loop Trail. Both are accessible
by foot year round. No bicycles or motorized vehicles are allowed. Both
are secured by a lock and is accessible only by permit holders.
Cabin Description: Sleeps 8 persons
on wooden sleeping platforms. Cabin includes wood stove and firewood,
table, benches, porch and a 3-candle lantern. The latrine is located approximately
0.1 miles from the cabin. A nearby water source is available, but water
should be purified before drinking. Please note: Candles for the lantern
are not provided. Lantern candles may be purchased at sport stores or
the Nature Center.
Yurt Description: Sleeps 4 persons -
2 on a wooden bunk and 2 on camp mattresses provided. The yurt includes
a wood stove and firewood; portable chair (2) and table; bear proof container
and porch. The latrine is located below the cabin. Nearby water source
available, but the water should be purified before drinking.
Reserving Cabin or Yurt: Cost of the
cabin or yurt is $65/night for non-members and $55/night for
members of the Nature Center. Yurt reservations are from 2 pm to noon of the following day. The
price includes parking at the Nature Center for that same time period
for up to four cars. Reservation limit is 7 consecutive nights and may
be used for non-commercial purposes only. Reservations may be made up
to one year in advance on a first come, first serve basis, and are made
through the Nature Center. For more information, contact the Center (see
address and phone number below) or click here to check
their web site. No refunds for cancellations. No date changes are
allowed.
Eagle River Nature Center
32750 Eagle River Road
Eagle River, AK 99577
(907) 694-2108
