Crystal Lake Cabin

We cross country skied in and were pleasantly surprised to find the cabin already warm from the propane heater. A great time!

I had a nice stay at the cabin.

Great weather for a January overnight. The snow conditions from the gate were fantastic compared to 2 weeks ago. Being at least 40F, the snowy was sticky to our skis but still very good. We found the cabin to be very clean, a bit mousy but that's to be expected. The propane heat and lights, with the fireplace make it a very warm cabin. We tried a bit of night skiing under the stars which was beautiful and silent. It's so fun to go to a place with virtually no other people. Fantastic views of Crystal Lake and the Big Snowys.

Excellent are to XC ski in the wintertime.

We spent two nights in this cabin during a school break. We lucked out with good weather. Our kids had fun playing in the woods and walking across the dry lake.

We did see mice and lots of droppings in the cabin, so pack your food accordingly. We used the wood stove- slow to heat up and then very hot! We also used the propane cooking stove, which was excellent. We didn’t turn on the propane heater and none of the lamps had good mantles. We had our own flashlights and lanterns, so that was not an issue.

We recommend any of the hikes around the lake. This is an especially good place to practice quiet walking and watching because, though windy, there’s not a ton of activity.

The cabin is well equipped with gas lights and a nice fireplace. The emergency radio in the cabin is interesting to listen to. The only downside is that due to disease and insect damage the forest service had to remove all the trees surrounding the cabin and in the adjacent campground. This means virtually no privacy from the campground. Several of the camp spots are right behind the cabin.

Esp for skiers: This is the 2nd year in a row renting this cabin. It is a 7 mile ski/walk/snowmobile from the lower gate to the cabin. Halfway up is the Crystal Cascades parking lot with an open outhouse. There is a warming hut at the lake itself, 6 miles up with another outhouse. The snow levels have been very low this year but surprisingly, the ski conditions were fantastic - not icy, not sticky. Snowmobilers pack it down well for skiers and make it easy even without set tracks. The cabin itself can have 6 people - 4 bunks and a brand new futon couch. The cabin was exceptionally clean when we stayed. I love the propane heat/furnace. We started a fire but the heat is so nice when you're tired and at night to rest well. Backpacking only needs a lightweight sleeping bag and food, personal items and water. All other items are there- propane stove/oven and lights, dishes, nice chairs and table to eat and sit in front of the fire. Easy access to outhouse close by. Skiing up takes 3-4 hrs, is a 1,200 ft total climb. Skiing down takes 2-3 hrs and is way easier! I love this as a winter rental because there is no one around and is very quiet.

This is a clean, comfortable cabin that is perfect for xc skiing to for an overnight of weekend.

This cabin was surprisingly comfortable, including a working gas stove and plenty of space. The water was not working, but there is a sink and a teapot for washing dishes. The bunks are fine, but the scenery is fantastic. :) The flies WERE an issue, even in late September - be prepared to either deal with lots of buzzing or many fly corpses. Additionally, be aware that the lake dries up in the fall. This year, almost no water remained, so the "lake" was a dried-up meadow. Despite all this, I will be back to the Crystal Lake cabin - it's a great place to get away.

Appreciate the forest service making this facility available, we got it right at the end of the season before gates are locked and you have to carry provisions in. Lots of dead flies and mouse droppings, if all guests made a large effort to clean this would likely be less of an issue.