Justin Y
VerifiedOctober 4, 2026 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
the trail from the russian river side is bad. the cabin was nice and clean however it was smaller then anticipated
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Warning
GeneralFee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
About Upper Russian Lake Cabin
Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a rustic trapper style log cabin located on Upper Russian lake. It was recently refurbished to keep the old fashioned charm of the 1950s, when it was originally built. Its location provides good fishing and boating opportunities. Visitors enjoy exploring surrounding trails and viewing wildlife.
The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback, snowmobile, and floatplane. 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
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Closed periods
Jan
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Currently open - May 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Water Access
- Lake Access
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S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
🏠
Cabin
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- 8 guests
Site Details
Up to 8 guests
Surface: Gravel
Reviews
25 reviews
Summary
Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a well-kept, charming space that comfortably sleeps four adults and offers a fantastic location for fishing and enjoying nature. Guests appreciated the canoe and the sunny fire pit, although the canoe can be unstable in high winds. Some minor cleanliness issues were noted, but overall, visitors had a great time catching trout and enjoying the scenic surroundings.
Based on guest feedback
4.2
Overall rating
Based on 25 reviews
5 stars
52.0% (13)
4 stars
24.0% (6)
3 stars
12.0% (3)
2 stars
12.0% (3)
1 star
0.0% (0)
Showing 25 reviews
Verified Only
Sort by: Newest First
Shane J
VerifiedSeptember 30, 2026 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Cabin is excellent. Wish they put some kind of traction strips on the steps. Both my friend and I fell. Extremely slick.
Needs to have the flat-bottom boat brought back. Canoe is very unstable. Low gunnel.
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Shane J
VerifiedSeptember 27, 2026 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
The cabin is excellent for this time of year. Definitely something you need to have due to the wet times. But the canoe was very unstable low gunnel. I wish that there was a flat bottom boat in there again like it used to be. This restricted our Hunt very much.
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Annette I
VerifiedJune 5, 2026 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Hand-carved fishing rod with reel, canoe, 2 mi long lake, sunny fire pit, cute cabin—sleeps 4 adults comfortably. Child + adult could fit on bottom bunk (maybe 2 skinny adults).
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Chris G
VerifiedAugust 8, 2025 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Spectacular location. Cabin is very well kept and comes with firewood. If you come in a floatplane, beware of the rocks on the way into the beach and stay to your left.
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Kenneth B
VerifiedMay 19, 2025 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
The cabin was awesome, we had a great time. At some point in the past they switched out the small Jon boat they had with a canoe. The canoe is okay for the rare calm day on the lake but very unstable with the high winds experienced almost daily there. People who had been there prior to us left aluminum cans in the fire pit. There was trash left in the bucket behind the stove and a sleeping bag as well. There is very little firewood left anywhere near the cabin. We were walking at least 100 yards to find anything halfway decent. Otherwise it was a good experience. Caught lots of trout and saw a few bears.
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Sarah B
VerifiedOctober 27, 2023 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
This is an amazing cabin! We paddled around the lake in the canoe provided and saw a lot of salmon, and birds, no bear sightings though a lot of signs. We were able to catch some trout for dinner and gather some berries. The weather was perfect! Thank you! There was too much leftover food left from others for us to carry it all out. Pack it in pack it out please.
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Richard B
VerifiedAugust 1, 2023 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Nice cabin!
Saw 6 bears
We flew in and it took us a few minutes to find the right cabin. There’s a couple others on the lake. Public use cabin is right by the outlet stream
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Dan S
VerifiedJanuary 10, 2023 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Bust , trail not open and snow to deep
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Edward M
VerifiedAugust 27, 2022 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Found cabin in good condition. could use firewood supply and a new boat with good oar locks.
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Location & Directions for Upper Russian Lake Cabin
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664 United States
Elevation: 212 ft
Getting There
Access to the cabin is via the Russian Lakes Trail, 9 mi from the Russian Lakes Trailhead on Snug Harbor Road or 12 mi from the Russian Lakes Trailhead located in Russian River Campground.
Winter parking for Upper Russian Trailhead is located at ...
Access to the cabin is via the Russian Lakes Trail, 9 mi from the Russian Lakes Trailhead on Snug Harbor Road or 12 mi from the Russian Lakes Trailhead located in Russian River Campground.
Winter parking for Upper Russian Trailhead is located at mile 9 of Snug Harbor Road. The last 3 mi of Snug Harbor Road are not plowed in the winter. Winter parking for Lower Russian Lakes Trailhead is 1 mi back on the campground road and the last mile of the campground road is not plowed. Access the cabin via Russian Lakes Trail (12 mi from Russian River Campground parking area and 9 mi from the Cooper Lake Trailhead). Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.
Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. For more current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Motorized access is prohibited in the winter and summer. The trail is closed to horse/pack stock from April 1 to June 30. Trail access information for Russian Lakes Trail
Policies & Rules
General
- This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
- Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
- Winter access is via a trek of up to 12 miles
- There is no source of fresh water near the cabin; visitors must bring their own, or treat or boil water from streams and lakes.
- Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
- All garbage and food must be packed out.
- Forest Order (10-04-00-14-47) that limits occupying/renting a public use rental cabin for more than seven consecutive days by any group or person.
- It is unlawful to use a public recreation cabin without a valid cabin reservation.
- Occupying a Public Recreation cabin with more than eight individuals per cabin for each permitted day is prohibited.
- Camping, pitching tents, or staying overnight within 300 feet of any public recreation use cabin is prohibited unless you have a valid cabin reservation.
- It is prohibited to hitch, tether, or hobble any saddle or pack animal including dog teams, within 200 feet of an established trail, water source, or developed recreation site, including Forest Service recreation cabins.
- Camping and/ or occupying any one Public Recreation Use Cabin for a period longer than seven consecutive days by any person or group including but not limited to family members, members of the same household, and members of the same camping party within a 30 day period, and three consecutive days May 15 to August 31.
- Learn more about Chugach National Forest
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
Warnings & Advisories
Warning
GeneralFee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
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Last updated: November 5, 2026
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Explore Seward, AK
Population: 2,794
Nearby city: Anchorage, AK
Approx. 59 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 46 ft
Best Season: Summer
Seward, AK
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Managed by the USDA Forest Service