Crescent Saddle Cabin

Trail was icey going up, 3 or 4 spots of large overflow. Micro spikes were a great choice. Metal edge skis at the top for the crusty layer of snow and bare spots of ice. Possible Nordic blade skating across from cabin if you get creative going between patches of ice (conditions change fast!). Cabin was stocked with wood that requires splitting. Creek for water freezes up but we were able to smash it open with a log after many attempts.

Trail was icey going up, 3 or 4 spots of large overflow. Micro spikes were a great choice. Metal edge skis at the top for the crusty layer of snow and bare spots of ice. Possible Nordic blade skating across from cabin if you get creative going between patches of ice (conditions change fast!). Cabin was stocked with wood that requires splitting. Creek for water freezes up but we were able to smash it open with a log after many attempts.

The cabin is in excellent condition, the wind and relentless rain didn't dampen our spirits as we dried out and warmed up in this cabin with gorgeous views out every window. The primitive trail has gotten more difficult due to so many fallen trees in previous winter storms so the traverse cabin to cabin is more challenging than previous visits but it is still a beautiful adventure I would recommend.

The cabin is in excellent condition, the wind and relentless rain didn't dampen our spirits as we dried out and warmed up in this cabin with gorgeous views out every window. The primitive trail has gotten more difficult due to so many fallen trees in previous winter storms so the traverse cabin to cabin is more challenging than previous visits but it is still a beautiful adventure I would recommend.

Experience of a lifetime! The crescent creek trail was gorgeous, primitive trail was difficult to navigate on the way in much easier finding/staying on the trail on the way back. Was glad we booked 3 nights. There are two row boats at the cabin one of which seemed to be taking on water. Caught one 12in grayling. The trip was so peaceful. Cabin was well stocked with extras (cards/skillet/lures etc.) outhouse was getting pretty full.

Experience of a lifetime! The crescent creek trail was gorgeous, primitive trail was difficult to navigate on the way in much easier finding/staying on the trail on the way back. Was glad we booked 3 nights. There are two row boats at the cabin one of which seemed to be taking on water. Caught one 12in grayling. The trip was so peaceful. Cabin was well stocked with extras (cards/skillet/lures etc.) outhouse was getting pretty full.

We rented the Crescent Saddle Cabin for 7/22/24, knowing that the "primitive" trail from the west end of the lake to the cabin would likely be quite overgrown. So we weren't sure we'd make it there. We took one look at the "trail" and decided to forget it. It irks me that the Forest Service is still renting this cabin for backpacking purposes knowing full-well that the trail barely exists anymore. I've hiked a lot of overgrown trails in southcentral AK, but this was hardly even visible. We did stay in our rented Crescent Lake Cabin the previous night and it had three boats; I kept reading that the Saddle cabin boat was missing--I wonder if someone hiked the trail to the Saddle cabin and decided to just row/paddle the boat back to the Crescent Lake Cabin and leave it there rather than fight the "primitive" trail to get back. Anyway, be forewarned: boat or fly in to the Saddle Cabin. Don't bother trying to hike to it.

We rented the Crescent Saddle Cabin for 7/22/24, knowing that the "primitive" trail from the west end of the lake to the cabin would likely be quite overgrown. So we weren't sure we'd make it there. We took one look at the "trail" and decided to forget it. It irks me that the Forest Service is still renting this cabin for backpacking purposes knowing full-well that the trail barely exists anymore. I've hiked a lot of overgrown trails in southcentral AK, but this was hardly even visible. We did stay in our rented Crescent Lake Cabin the previous night and it had three boats; I kept reading that the Saddle cabin boat was missing--I wonder if someone hiked the trail to the Saddle cabin and decided to just row/paddle the boat back to the Crescent Lake Cabin and leave it there rather than fight the "primitive" trail to get back. Anyway, be forewarned: boat or fly in to the Saddle Cabin. Don't bother trying to hike to it.

Cabin did not have much wood available upon arrival, we cut and left wood for the next occupants before we left. The advertised row boat was not anywhere to be found, possibly a victim of poor tying up and the wind, or unauthorized users leaving it somewhere unknown. Overall the cabin is in a fantastic location. The approach was quite wet due to the overgrown primitive trail, so be prepared to have to dry shoes and clothes out in the cabin.

Cabin did not have much wood available upon arrival, we cut and left wood for the next occupants before we left. The advertised row boat was not anywhere to be found, possibly a victim of poor tying up and the wind, or unauthorized users leaving it somewhere unknown. Overall the cabin is in a fantastic location. The approach was quite wet due to the overgrown primitive trail, so be prepared to have to dry shoes and clothes out in the cabin.