Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
25 reviews
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
Based on 25 reviews
Showing 25 reviews
January 10, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
This cabin is historic. When staying in this cabin it is easy to imagine you are part of the past history of the Russian River watershed. The cabin has been expertly restored by the USFS, and has a wonderful deck and a carved bear. The cabin has great lake access with a canoe.
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January 17, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
The cabin was excellent. Great to have during the time we were there due to the rain. Wish there was more wood cut at the time. It was getting colder at the end of Moose season. Anything maybe a chainsaw at the cabin would be great.
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January 27, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Cozy (and cute) cabin, with ample access to water and dead/down wood in the area! During our late-December visit saws/axes/etc were available and in good shape.
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May 10, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Really enjoy this cabin
Also really appreciate the staff that are maintaining the cabin.
Little things like mainting the trail and providing signs so people will not bother people at the cabin
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May 27, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Great getaway
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September 1, 2020 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Used to be our favorite cabin. However I don't think we will come back. Cabin needs signage to let people know that when it is rented they should not approach. Spent weekend explaining people why they are not welcome to come and check the cabin inside, or have a picnic by it or just hang out around it, when we are currently renting it and are there. Had to argue with couple cyclists who apparently agreed to meet someone at the cabin and was determined to sit on the cabin porch and wait for their buddies. Used to be great staying in it. Now, I would not advise booking it. At least if your schedule allows - not on weekends.
Also, its getting trashed. People leave their stuff there: old sleepers, food leftovers, sleeping pad just to name a few we discovered. It was not as bad previously.
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April 5, 2021 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Great little cabin with lots of character and plenty of firewood.
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June 16, 2021 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Great wilderness values; pretty remote. Cabin is nice. Arduous 9 mi hike from Snug Harbor Road makes you feel you have earned the trip. pervasive bikepackers coming through the camp taints some of the remoteness. The hole in the boat renders it useless which should be remedied immediately.
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July 7, 2021 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
The cabin was in great shape. As per the logbook, a previous hiker had recovered the rowboat, which presumably had been improperly tied up by someone prior. Immediately before my stay, a USFS ranger made temporary repairs to the boat, and we were able to take it out on the lake for a short trip. (The ranger advised that a new boat was on-order.) No bear sightings, but we saw salmon entering the lake and a young porcupine near the cabin.
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August 13, 2021 Stayed at: S04, Loop: AREA UPPER RUSSIAN LAKE CABIN
Great cabin. Feels like the real Alaska. Be near aware!
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Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, Seward, AK 99664 United States
Elevation: 212 ft
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
Fee changes in effect. This facility will now charge the same fee year-round.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
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Population: 2,794
Nearby city: Anchorage, AK
Approx. 59 mi away (straight-line distance)
Elevation: 46 ft
Best Season: Summer
Seward, AK
