Molly Z
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
We appreciated the spare flotation devices in all sizes for using the row boat. Thanks!
Helpful
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
Year-round
Skiing
Winter
Year-round
Hiking
Nearby
Winter
Skiing
Nearby
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
Private Bathroom
Cooking and Fire
- Picnic Table
On Site Services
- Propane
- Propane
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
🏠
Cabin
Select dates to check availability
- 6 guests
Site Details
Up to 6 guests
Shade
Campfire
Reviews
75 reviews
Summary
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
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
Verified Only
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Molly Z
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
We appreciated the spare flotation devices in all sizes for using the row boat. Thanks!
Helpful
Molly Z
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
We appreciated the spare flotation devices in all sizes for using the row boat. Thanks!
Helpful
Stephanie H
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The cabin was in good shape and clean, and the heat worked well! We enjoyed having a rowboat to use, and liked finding the historical records about the Peterson family.
We rowed across the lake and found a cabin and other remains of old mining claims.
We were disappointed to see that former users, in spite of clearly posted instructions, had left perishable food and unlabeled bottles of “mystery liquids” in the cupboards, along with many other items they carried in but chose not to carry out.
Peterson Lake is a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our stay. The trail in needs some work, and there were only a couple of small child’s life jackets available for boat users.
Helpful
Stephanie H
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The cabin was in good shape and clean, and the heat worked well! We enjoyed having a rowboat to use, and liked finding the historical records about the Peterson family.
We rowed across the lake and found a cabin and other remains of old mining claims.
We were disappointed to see that former users, in spite of clearly posted instructions, had left perishable food and unlabeled bottles of “mystery liquids” in the cupboards, along with many other items they carried in but chose not to carry out.
Peterson Lake is a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our stay. The trail in needs some work, and there were only a couple of small child’s life jackets available for boat users.
Helpful
Stephanie H
VerifiedOctober 8, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The cabin was in good shape and clean, and the heat worked well! We enjoyed having a rowboat to use, and liked finding the historical records about the Peterson family.
We rowed across the lake and found a cabin and other remains of old mining claims.
We were disappointed to see that former users, in spite of clearly posted instructions, had left perishable food and unlabeled bottles of “mystery liquids” in the cupboards, along with many other items they carried in but chose not to carry out.
Peterson Lake is a beautiful spot and we enjoyed our stay. The trail in needs some work, and there were only a couple of small child’s life jackets available for boat users.
Helpful
Meredith T
VerifiedNovember 2, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The first part of the trail is super even and mellow given some recent trail work (thanks FS!). The latter part is very rooty and could be quite muddy in warmer conditions. We rented it on Oct 25 2020 and it was one of the season's first snows! The lake mostly froze and the walk out was beautiful. This is a very nice cabin, nice dock with boat in good condition, outhouse is fine. We had a great time and wished we could stay longer.
Helpful
Meredith T
VerifiedNovember 2, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The first part of the trail is super even and mellow given some recent trail work (thanks FS!). The latter part is very rooty and could be quite muddy in warmer conditions. We rented it on Oct 25 2020 and it was one of the season's first snows! The lake mostly froze and the walk out was beautiful. This is a very nice cabin, nice dock with boat in good condition, outhouse is fine. We had a great time and wished we could stay longer.
Helpful
Meredith T
VerifiedNovember 2, 2020 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
The first part of the trail is super even and mellow given some recent trail work (thanks FS!). The latter part is very rooty and could be quite muddy in warmer conditions. We rented it on Oct 25 2020 and it was one of the season's first snows! The lake mostly froze and the walk out was beautiful. This is a very nice cabin, nice dock with boat in good condition, outhouse is fine. We had a great time and wished we could stay longer.
Helpful
Stephen S
VerifiedMarch 27, 2021 Stayed at: J03, Loop: AREA PETERSON LAKE CABIN
Snow covered trail. Be sure to bring snowshoes. We had 6 inches of new snow in the morning. Super fun hike and beautiful location.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Peterson Lake Cabin
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, Juneau, AK 99801 United States
Elevation: 220 ft
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
Nearby Campgrounds
Nearby destinations
Last updated: November 4, 2026
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Juneau, AK
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service