Fee 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
Operating hours and availability for the current season.
Upcoming seasons
Planned operating dates for future seasons to help you plan ahead.
Past seasons
Historical operating dates from previous years for reference.
Closed periods
View dates when this campground is temporarily closed during the season.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - May 1 to Dec 31
Campground Amenities
Water Access
Lake Access
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Select check-in and check-out dates to see availability.
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.
Cute old cabin. It is a bit dark and the windows don't open so if you want fresh air, you have to leave the door open. Not an option at night given the bears in the area. Lots, and I mean LOTS, of bear sign at this time of year given the salmon in the river. The cabin also needs a deep clean. It was a bit dingy. I was expecting it to be more scenic at the cabin so I was disappointed to see all the tall trees and vegetation around the cabin. Very scenic from the beach just a short walk from the cabin. Glad we visited but probably won't come back to this cabin.
Unable to locate the cabin the first night had to spent the night camped out. Appon arriving at the cabin the next day there was no firewood at all had to find a dead stand of trees and cut and split wood and left the firebox full for the next visitors.
My favorite cabin of the three on the Russian Lakes Trail. It is the most authentic, rustic “log cabin” with hand hewn walls, beams and roof. I really liked the hand made furniture: chairs, benches, table and bed frames. And the view of the Upper Russian Lake from the beach area was spectacular. This cabin also had the best sleeping arrangement of the 3 cabins with adequate space for 4 people on the bottom bunks and 2 people on top. None of the cabins were built for 8 people unless 2 are willing to sleep on the floor. The only downside of this cabin is that the interior has less light than the other 2, partly because of the surrounding cottonwood trees and partly because of the smaller windows. But overall we were quite pleased with this cabin.
The cabin is great. The boat provided is marginal at best, it leaks and hasn’t been fixed in YEARS. The last 5 mi of the 11 mi trail in from the Upper Russian trailhead is covered with 5’ Devil’s club and brush so is very wet most of the time! Blueberries are plentiful, enjoy!
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
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.
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.
Helpful
Location & Directions for Upper Russian Lake Cabin
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664 United States
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
General
Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
