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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Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Nov
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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

Marisol B

Verified

June 11, 2025 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

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Marisol B

Verified

June 11, 2025 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

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.

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Christopher J

Verified

March 8, 2026 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA 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.

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Christopher J

Verified

March 8, 2026 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA 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.

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Kaleb D

Verified

May 31, 2026 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

Canoe is missing. Splitting maule is broken. Hike is closer to moderate to hard. Porch has busted step. The forest service needs to repair this stuff considering how steep the cost is now. Otherwise, it's exactly like all the other cabins that aren't super old.

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James S

Verified

June 6, 2026 Stayed at: S17, Loop: AREA CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN

Took my 11 year old on a two night hunt/camping trip. Post-holed through snow for about a half mile going past Carter lake and then had intermittent post holing until getting on the crescent lake main trail. Crossed about seven avalanche slides without issue. Weather changed every 30 minutes - snow, sleet, rain, sunshine, etc. Cabin was very nice but the boat is gone and both splitting mauls are broken so we had to make do. But plenty of wood was around, chopped and otherwise. Made it behind the cabin after some bushwhacking and it opened up into nice game trails and Sitka forest - Girdwood Esq. Lake was mostly frozen and caught no grayling.

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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