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.

This cabin was clean and is well maintained. There are propane lights, a stove and a heater (BONUS!). We snowshoed in and it took us 5 hours pulling pretty heavy sleds. I would recommend giving yourself plenty of time to get there in the wintertime before dark as the snowmobile tracks stopped 200 yards prior to the cabin once the road opened up into the field/campground. Without light...we wouldn't have found the cabin! The place is definitely minimal on the cookware but otherwise it's great.

I cc skied into this cabin - it took about 3 hrs ski time (almost 4 with a lunch break). Skiing out took 2 hrs going downhill. The instructions on this site are incorrect. It is a total of 6.9 miles to the cabin which is located at the far end of the campground. The 5.7 miles indicated gets you to Crystal Lake from the closed gate at the bottom. It's a 1,000 ft elevation climb. Half way, 3.4 miles you ascend 500 ft in elev and get to the lower parking lot to Crystal Cascades TH and an open restroom. It's a nice place to have a snack break / rest. Then tackling the last half is a bit more of a challenge. Steep at times but very good skiing. You might be alone that far up or may see a few people snowmobiling up to the lake. There is a warming hut at the lake if you also need a break. The cabin is larger than the photos appear and spacious for 4-6 people. There are 4 thick mattresses on each bunk, a propane heater (luxury!) that can be used so you don't have to stoke the woodstove at 3AM. Very bright propane lights and an emergency CB radio. Not too mousy and was clean. Was very fun and cozy. I would recommend snowmobiling in and then skiing around once you get up there for an easier experience.

Such a great resource to be able to experience!