Anna A
VerifiedApril 19, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Cabin was wonderful, despite the thigh-deep snow in April.
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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 mi 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.
Seasonal information
2026
(Current year)
2026 Season availability
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Open year round
This campground is open year round, providing flexibility for your stay.
365 Days
Campground Amenities
Most popular amenities
Parking
Parking and Transport
- Parking
Cabin Interior
- Heating
Views and Setting
- View
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J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
🏠
Cabin
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- 8 guests
Site Details
Up to 8 guests
Campfire
Reviews
54 reviews
Summary
The John Muir Cabin offers a wonderful winter experience, set in a beautiful snowy landscape. Reviewers appreciate the cabin's great condition and quick heating, although some noted a slow initial warm-up. Overall, it is well-maintained, providing a cozy retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
Based on guest feedback
4.8
Overall rating
Based on 54 reviews
5 stars
81.5% (44)
4 stars
18.5% (10)
3 stars
0.0% (0)
2 stars
0.0% (0)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 49 reviews
Verified Only
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Anna A
VerifiedApril 19, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Cabin was wonderful, despite the thigh-deep snow in April.
Helpful
marsha s
VerifiedMarch 4, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Beautiful winter wonderland
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marsha s
VerifiedMarch 4, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Beautiful winter wonderland
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katie h
VerifiedMarch 2, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
The cabin is in great shape and heats up surprisingly quickly for how large it is on a ten degree evening. A wonderful snowy weekend in the mountains. Thanks USFS for providing us with such amazing opportunity to be outside and be warm!
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katie h
VerifiedMarch 2, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
The cabin is in great shape and heats up surprisingly quickly for how large it is on a ten degree evening. A wonderful snowy weekend in the mountains. Thanks USFS for providing us with such amazing opportunity to be outside and be warm!
Helpful
Stephen S
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Love this cabin in the winter. Beautiful snowy landscape and views. Snow was deep the last mile up to the cabin. Definitely needed snowshoes. Cabin was very cold when we arrived and heater was extremely slow to warm up the lower level of the cabin (kept the upstairs sealed off). Wasn't until about mid-night that we were finally peeling layers off. Outhouse path cleared and easily accessible.
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Stephen S
VerifiedFebruary 26, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
Love this cabin in the winter. Beautiful snowy landscape and views. Snow was deep the last mile up to the cabin. Definitely needed snowshoes. Cabin was very cold when we arrived and heater was extremely slow to warm up the lower level of the cabin (kept the upstairs sealed off). Wasn't until about mid-night that we were finally peeling layers off. Outhouse path cleared and easily accessible.
Helpful
Kevin P
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
One of my favorite cabins in the area. Really enjoy having the woodstove!
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Kevin P
VerifiedJanuary 28, 2026 Stayed at: J04, Loop: AREA JOHN MUIR CABIN
One of my favorite cabins in the area. Really enjoy having the woodstove!
Helpful
Location & Directions for John Muir Cabin
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801 United States
Elevation: 463 ft
Getting There
The cabin is 13 mi northwest of Juneau. Access by hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. The first 0.8 mi is on Spaulding Meadows Trail, and the rest is on the Auk
Nu Trail. The trailhead is located at mile marker 12.3 off Glacier Highway. The cabin is ...
The cabin is 13 mi northwest of Juneau. Access by hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. The first 0.8 mi is on Spaulding Meadows Trail, and the rest is on the Auk
Nu Trail. The trailhead is located at mile marker 12.3 off Glacier Highway. The cabin is also accessible by helicopter.
A marked skiing trail connects John Muir Cabin to Peterson Lake Cabin in the winter. A GPS or map and compass are recommended.
Near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve
The closest entrance is: Bartlett Cove
Approximate drive: 52.6 mi · over 1 hr (90 min)
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.
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Last updated: November 3, 2026
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Juneau, AK
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service