OutReserve

John Muir Cabin

View from John Muir Cabin
Front of Cabin
John Muir Cabin from above
Cabin interior
Muskeg behind the cabin

About John Muir Cabin

John Muir Cabin was built in 1980 and named after John Muir to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his visit to the Gastineau Channel area. This rustic cabin is open year-round and offers spectacular views and plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin is accessed by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 3.5 miles from the Spaulding Meadows/Auk Nu trailhead off of Glacier Highway. The trail is partially planked and winds through muskeg with a 1,500-foot elevation gain. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

Number of accommodations: 1

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Open year round

This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.

365 Days

J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

Price not available
🏠 Cabin Unavailable

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews (51)

What Guests Are Saying

The John Muir Cabin offers a wonderful winter experience with beautiful snowy landscapes and quick heating for its size. While the last mile requires snowshoes and the cabin may be cold upon arrival, guests appreciate its well-maintained condition and cozy woodstove. The staff is knowledgeable and helpful, enhancing the overall experience for visitors exploring outdoor activities.

Review Summary

4.8
51 reviews
5
80.4%
41
4
19.6%
10
3
0.0%
0
2
0.0%
0
1
0.0%
0

Angela L

Verified

October 26, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Clean, warm, excellent!

Angela L

Verified

October 26, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Clean, warm, excellent!

Sally S

Verified

October 22, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Great Trip! The cabin was super-clean, toasty warm and buffeted the 30 knot winds and driving rain well. The propane worked beautifully. I
t would be nice for a straightforward remark: if you see the pilot light then simply turn the knob and adjust the thermostat. We spent a little bit of time running through the pilot-lighting instructions. Trail Mix's work on the trail is nice as far as it goes and will be be even nicer as they progress. The boards are slippery and yak trax/grippers were a must. Two trees were down and blocking the trail. Scrambling over and around them with packs was a bit iffy for a couple of old ladies?! There did appear to be some water seeping in from under the front right-hand side of the metal sheet under the wood stove. Otherwise, it was another fantastic cabin trip brought to us by USFS! Thanks!

Sally S

Verified

October 22, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Great Trip! The cabin was super-clean, toasty warm and buffeted the 30 knot winds and driving rain well. The propane worked beautifully. I
t would be nice for a straightforward remark: if you see the pilot light then simply turn the knob and adjust the thermostat. We spent a little bit of time running through the pilot-lighting instructions. Trail Mix's work on the trail is nice as far as it goes and will be be even nicer as they progress. The boards are slippery and yak trax/grippers were a must. Two trees were down and blocking the trail. Scrambling over and around them with packs was a bit iffy for a couple of old ladies?! There did appear to be some water seeping in from under the front right-hand side of the metal sheet under the wood stove. Otherwise, it was another fantastic cabin trip brought to us by USFS! Thanks!

Michelle K

Verified

August 6, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Trail was in excellent condition, thanks to Trail Mix!

Michelle K

Verified

August 6, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

Trail was in excellent condition, thanks to Trail Mix!

Meredith T

Verified

January 24, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

This cabin is lovely and in great shape. There was not enough snow in mid-January 2021 to do the JM-Peterson ski traverse. (We did it, but on a mix of snowshoes and microspikes, with lots of falling into hidden muskeg holes).

Meredith T

Verified

January 24, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

This cabin is lovely and in great shape. There was not enough snow in mid-January 2021 to do the JM-Peterson ski traverse. (We did it, but on a mix of snowshoes and microspikes, with lots of falling into hidden muskeg holes).

Sydney H

Verified

January 15, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

The propane was awesome, the view was incredible! The hike wasn't too hard, and the way down with less food and water flew by! The trivia game was awesome and fun to see the notebooks filled with recent trips. Definitly bring crampons if you are going in the winter months- life savers. Perfect weekend get away!

Sydney H

Verified

January 15, 2021 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN

5

The propane was awesome, the view was incredible! The hike wasn't too hard, and the way down with less food and water flew by! The trivia game was awesome and fun to see the notebooks filled with recent trips. Definitly bring crampons if you are going in the winter months- life savers. Perfect weekend get away!

Location John Muir Cabin

Address:
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, AK, 99801
United States

Latitude & Longitude: 58.4094 / -134.697

Elevation: 463 feet

Policies & Rules

General

  • This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
  • Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
  • Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
  • Please pack out all trash and food
  • Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
  • This cabin is open to public as a warming shelter.
  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: June 5, 2026

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Managed by USDA Forest Service