Warning

General

Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.

CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN
CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN
Bunks
CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN2
Lake view.

About Crescent Saddle Cabin

Elodea has been found in Crescent Lake in 2023. Please stop aquatic hitchikers and use clean, drain, dry methods to prevent the spread of elodea. For more information on elodea.   Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a remote and secluded place to stay in the Kenai Mountains of southeastern Alaska. It is difficult to access, but rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding region. Winter travel is recommended only for those with experience in the backcountry. This site can be accessed by hiking, skiing, snowmobile and floatplane. Not recommended for horseback or bikes. 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

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
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Currently open - Oct 6 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch

Views and Setting

  • View
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S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

🏠 Cabin
  • 8 guests

Site Details

Up to 8 guests
Surface: Gravel
View Site Details

Reviews

38 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a beautiful and peaceful retreat with stunning views and well-stocked amenities, making for a memorable experience. However, accessing the cabin can be challenging due to overgrown trails and icy conditions, and some guests noted issues with wood supply and missing rowboats. Overall, the cabin's excellent condition and picturesque surroundings are highlighted as its main positives.

Based on guest feedback

3.8

Overall rating

Based on 38 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 55.3% (21)
4 stars 10.5% (4)
3 stars 15.8% (6)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 18.4% (7)

Showing 38 reviews

Amber B

Verified

October 28, 2023 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

The cabin is beautiful, but very difficult to find via the trail from Crescent Creek. The wood stove is amazing!

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Amber B

Verified

October 28, 2023 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

The cabin is beautiful, but very difficult to find via the trail from Crescent Creek. The wood stove is amazing!

Helpful

Sam S

Verified

December 31, 2023 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

Beautiful spot! Almost no firewood as of Dec. 28, 2023, and it is nearly impossible to find any downed wood due to the snow.

We always cut a lot of extra wood when at huts outside of winter for this reason! If snowmachining in would recommend taking some wood.

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Sam S

Verified

December 31, 2023 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

Beautiful spot! Almost no firewood as of Dec. 28, 2023, and it is nearly impossible to find any downed wood due to the snow.

We always cut a lot of extra wood when at huts outside of winter for this reason! If snowmachining in would recommend taking some wood.

Helpful

Erika B

Verified

July 15, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE 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.

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Erika B

Verified

July 15, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE 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.

Helpful

Susan S

Verified

July 23, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

Helpful

Susan S

Verified

July 23, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

Helpful

Michelle L

Verified

July 24, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

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Michelle L

Verified

July 24, 2024 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Crescent Saddle Cabin

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664 United States

Elevation: 451 ft

Getting There

Access is by trail, 7 mi from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or (10.7 mi from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 mi to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin ...

Nearest town

Seward, AK - 51 mi

About over 1 hr (88 min) to downtown

Highway access

Access is via the Seward Highway (milepost 34) and the Sterling Highway (milepost 45), both within approximately 10.7 miles of the cabin.

Policies & Rules

Safety & rules

  • Be aware of bear, water, and weather safety before reserving due to the remote location.
  • Stay aware of surroundings and prepare for poor weather conditions during your stay.
  • Guests are required to pack out all garbage and food.
  • Occupancy is limited to seven consecutive days or three days between May 15 and August 31.

General

  • This is the Crescent Saddle Cabin located on the south-central shore of Crescent Lake, not the Crescent Lake Cabin on the west side of the lake.
  • Learn more about Chugach National Forest

Accessibility

  • Summer access may be challenging due to an unbridged creek crossing, especially during high water.

Site types & loops

  • Crescent Lake Trail has seasonal closures for horses and motorized vehicles, and is not recommended for small children.
  • Camping within 300 feet of any public recreation cabin is prohibited without a reservation.
  • Hitching or tethering animals is prohibited within 200 feet of trails or water sources.

Utilities

  • Guests need to bring their own fresh water or treat water from nearby sources.

Local regulations

  • Commercial operators are not permitted to use this cabin.
  • A valid reservation is required to use the public recreation cabin.

Site capacity

  • Occupancy is limited to eight individuals per cabin per day.

Fires & fuel

  • Purchase firewood locally to prevent pest spread.

Warnings & Advisories

Warning

General

Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.

Nearby Campgrounds

Nearby destinations


Last updated: October 24, 2026

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Explore Seward, AK

Population: 2,794

Nearby city: Anchorage, AK

Approx. 55 mi away (straight-line distance)

Elevation: 46 ft

Best Season: Summer

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Managed by the USDA Forest Service