Mastodon Cabin is one of seven backcountry Cabins located in the Chena River State Recreation Area. Located on a hillside above the Nugget Creek Cabin, near the South Fork of the Chena river. This cabin offers terrific views of the Chena River State Recreation Area no matter which season you visit.

The cabin is supplied with a woodstove, table, seat, broom, axe, and shovel. This cabin was constructed by dedicated volunteers and State Park staff for your use and enjoyment. Please help keep it neat and attractive for those who will use it after your visit.

Location:
The Mastodon Cabin can be accessed from the Mastodon Trail located at 38.5 mile Chena Hot Springs Road. This is a non-motorized trail which is open to hiking, biking, horseback, skiing, skijor, dog sled, and snowshoe. Follow the purple trail markers 13 miles to the cabin. This non-motorized trail climbs a little before dropping and crossing Mastodon Creek. Then it switchbacks up through a burn area and crosses from the Mastodon Creek drainage to the Nugget Creek drainage. It follows a burned-out ridge line for several miles before dropping 2.5 miles down to the public use Mastodon Cabin, sitting just above the confluence of the Nuggest Creek and South Fork of the Chena River.

GPS W146°30'48.1" , N64°50'38.4"

Special Notes:
The best access to the Mastodon Cabin in the winter is the South Fork Trail that is frequented by both snowmachines and non-motorized users. If you choose to use the Mastodon Trail, expect deep, unbroken snow and challenging backcountry conditions.

The South Fork Winter Trail with access to Mastodon and Nugget Public Use Cabins has a river crossing immediately at the 31.4 mile CHSR Trailhead that requires significant cold weather to freeze sufficiently for crossing. Check ice conditions before reserving. Check condition report at https://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/asp/curevnts.htm

Check for Availability on Reserve America