Peterson Lake Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, Alaska, United States
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Peterson Lake with Floatplane
Peterson Lake Cabin
Peterson Lake Cabin
Dock and boat
View of cabin from the air

Featured amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Private Bathroom Private Bathroom
View all amenities

About Peterson Lake Cabin

Peterson Lake Cabin was built in the 1980s and named after John Peterson, who started a placer gold mine in this area in 1900. The Peterson Lake Trail that accesses the cabin follows a former tram route for the first 2 mi, and remnants of the tram can still be seen. The cabin is open year-round and is one of Juneau Ranger District's most popular backcountry rentals. This secluded retreat offers the chance to enjoy beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities. The site can be accessed by float plane or by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 4.5 mi from the Peterson Lake Trailhead on Glacier Highway. The trail has an elevation gain of 800 ft. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Hiking

Hiking

Year-round
Skiing

Skiing

Winter

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

Campground Amenities

Most popular amenities

Picnic Table Picnic Table
Private Bathroom Private Bathroom
Cooking and Fire

Cooking and Fire

  • Picnic Table
On Site Services

On Site Services

  • Propane
  • Propane
Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch

Cabin Interior

  • Private Bathroom
  • Heating
Missing information?
Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

🏠 Cabin Select dates to check availability
  • 6 guests

Site Details

Up to 6 guests
Shade
Campfire
View Site Details

Reviews

75 reviews

Summary

AI generated

Peterson Lake Cabin offers a charming retreat, with guests praising its cleanliness, efficient heating, and beautiful surroundings. The trail to the cabin has some rough sections, but improvements are underway and the overall experience is enjoyable. Many appreciate the thoughtful amenities and the opportunity to read other visitors' stories in the logbook.

Based on guest feedback

4.2

Overall rating

Based on 75 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 52.0% (39)
4 stars 24.0% (18)
3 stars 20.0% (15)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 4.0% (3)

Showing 75 reviews

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Newest First Oldest First

Harmony R

Verified

September 14, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Peterson Cabin felt like a little spot of magic away from everything busy. Bring a pair of Tevas or other sandals for the wet part of the hike... take a spin around the lake in the rowboat. We had a great time!

Helpful

Stephen Y

Verified

June 19, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Wonderful two-night stay early June '26. Trail conditions favorable and mud was mostly avoidable. Fallen trees had been bucked and moved off trail. Cabin was clean and heat worked flawlessly. Outhouse was clean, typical smell but not overbearing. The port side oar lock on the row boat was worn and needs replacing but could still be used.

Helpful

Kaitlin B

Verified

June 4, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Staying at this cabin was an absolute dream. The hike was so fun, even in the rain. I feel into a muskeg and had a hoot and a half. So grateful for all the love and care that has been put into the trail and this beautiful cabin.

Helpful

katie h

Verified

March 2, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

The cabin took a while to warm up at 10 degrees. Thanks to whoever brought the durlog out there. Finally helped the propane heater catch up. Otherwise a great experience!

Helpful

katie h

Verified

March 2, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

The cabin took a while to warm up at 10 degrees. Thanks to whoever brought the durlog out there. Finally helped the propane heater catch up. Otherwise a great experience!

Helpful

katie h

Verified

March 2, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

The cabin took a while to warm up at 10 degrees. Thanks to whoever brought the durlog out there. Finally helped the propane heater catch up. Otherwise a great experience!

Helpful

Pete S

Verified

January 11, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Beautiful place to visit in the winter. Had to break trail the whole way but it was worth it. The best part was when we simply rotated the timer switch for the heater and heard the faint "whump" as the propane stove immediately fired up. Gotta love it when people follow the instructions from the Forest Service and leave the pilot light on. Great log book that someone donated too. Fun to read other people's stories about their visit.

Helpful

Pete S

Verified

January 11, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Beautiful place to visit in the winter. Had to break trail the whole way but it was worth it. The best part was when we simply rotated the timer switch for the heater and heard the faint "whump" as the propane stove immediately fired up. Gotta love it when people follow the instructions from the Forest Service and leave the pilot light on. Great log book that someone donated too. Fun to read other people's stories about their visit.

Helpful

Pete S

Verified

January 11, 2026 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN

Beautiful place to visit in the winter. Had to break trail the whole way but it was worth it. The best part was when we simply rotated the timer switch for the heater and heard the faint "whump" as the propane stove immediately fired up. Gotta love it when people follow the instructions from the Forest Service and leave the pilot light on. Great log book that someone donated too. Fun to read other people's stories about their visit.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Peterson Lake Cabin

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

Elevation: 220 ft

Nearest town

Juneau, AK - 18 mi

About 27 min to downtown

Highway access

Peterson Lake Cabin is accessible via Glacier Highway, specifically from Mile Marker 23.5, which is approximately 15 miles southeast of the cabin.

Near Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve

The closest entrance is: Bartlett Cove

Approximate drive: 50.8 mi · over 1 hr (87 min)

Policies & Rules

Cancellation policy

  • Reservation fees are non-refundable. For campsites, cabins, lookouts, yurts, group sites, and similar stays, we charge a reservation service fee of $8.
  • Standard cancellations usually have a $10 cancellation fee. Customers can generally cancel before the check-in date online.
  • Late cancellation rules differ by stay type.
    • Individual campsites: cancelling after 12:00am local time the day before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • Cabins, lookouts, and yurts: cancelling less than 14 days before arrival usually means a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiting the first night's fee.
    • One-night reservations: a late cancellation usually forfeits the full amount paid, up to the total original reservation cost.
  • Modifications are allowed before the cut-off window, but fees depend on the change. Changing to dates completely outside the original reservation dates may trigger a $10 change fee. Extending or shortening a stay that still includes original dates usually has no change fee, though refunds may depend on timing and facility rules. Switching to the same type of campsite for the same dates usually has no change fee, but price differences are charged or refunded.
  • Early departures may or may not be refunded. At certain facilities, partial refunds may be possible if staff can mark the site available for other visitors. No refund is given for a night if the early departure is requested after that day's check-out time.
  • Security deposits are separate. Security deposits may be refunded to the original payment method if the facility is left in acceptable condition, as determined by the property.

Safety & rules

  • Be aware of safety regarding bears, water, and weather conditions before reserving.
  • Stay aware of your surroundings and be prepared for possible extended stays due to weather.
  • Guests must pack out all trash and food when leaving.

Utilities

  • Guests need to bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources, as no water is available at the cabin.

Site types & loops

  • Commercial operators, including outfitters and guides, are not permitted to use the cabin.

Amenities

  • The cabin serves as a warming shelter open to the public.

Fires & fuel

  • Guests are encouraged to collect down or dead wood for use in the fire ring or wood stove.
  • To prevent pests, buy firewood near your location and burn it on-site.

General

  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

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5 mi away

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Last updated: November 4, 2026

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