Crescent Saddle Cabin
3.5510 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK, 99664, USA
Crescent Saddle Cabin
$50.00 - $60.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Rates vary by season: $60 during May 01 - September 30 (peak season) and $50 during October 01 - December 31 (non-peak season). Additional fees may apply for reservations or cancellations.
About this campground
Perched high in the untamed Kenai Mountains, Crescent Saddle Cabin beckons to those who crave authentic wilderness adventure. This remote mountain refuge delivers breathtaking panoramic views that will leave you speechless—but only after you've earned them through a challenging journey that tests your outdoor mettle. Here, far from civilization's reach, experienced adventurers find the raw Alaska they've been searching for.
Crescent Saddle Cabin is categorized as a remote lodging facility accessible by hiking, skiing, snowmobile, or floatplane. It provides primitive accommodations without electricity or potable water.
Weather and SeasonsMother Nature rules supreme at Crescent Saddle, painting each season with dramatic brushstrokes. Winter transforms the landscape into a formidable wonderland where avalanche danger lurks and fierce winds whip across Crescent Lake with untamed fury. Summer brings its own challenges as nature reclaims the trails with vigorous growth and swollen streams test your crossing skills. Blue-sky days are precious gems here—the mountains prefer to wrap themselves in mist and rain, creating an ever-changing atmospheric theater.
ElevationAt 1,450 feet above sea level, the cabin sits in a dramatic alpine environment where elevation shapes every aspect of your stay. This lofty perch brings you closer to the clouds but also closer to nature's raw power, where winter avalanches thunder down nearby slopes and winds gain strength as they funnel through mountain passes.
Natural Features and SceneryThe cabin emerges from a tapestry of scattered forest, where summer wildflowers paint splashes of color across meadows that stretch toward the sky. Below, Crescent Lake mirrors the moods of the mountains, its waters reflecting storm clouds and rare sunshine alike. This living landscape hosts an array of Alaskan wildlife—from soaring eagles to wandering bears—reminding visitors they're guests in a vast wilderness theater.
Geological RegionDeep in the heart of the Kenai Mountains of southeastern Alaska, this cabin claims its place among ancient peaks and pristine waters. Crescent Lake stretches below like a sapphire jewel, while scattered forests create a patchwork of green that bursts with wildflower rainbows during the brief but glorious summer months. This is where the raw geology of Alaska reveals itself in every weathered ridge and glacier-carved valley.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin is located in a remote area and requires hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, or floatplane access. The primitive trail is challenging and not recommended for children or bikes. The Carter Lake side of the trail may be impassable during May due to avalanche concerns.
Sites SizeThe cabin is described as small but adequate for keeping warm with a wood stove. It can accommodate up to eight people with bunk space for six.
Sites PrivacyBeing located in a secluded, remote area, the cabin provides substantial privacy surrounded by natural beauty.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid Carter Lake Trail during late winter and early spring due to avalanche risks. Summer hiking may require trail markers or GPS due to overgrown paths.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
12:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Guests may stay up to 3 nights during any visit.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy is 8 guests per cabin.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with bunk space for six and maximum occupancy of eight. Includes counter space, table, benches, wood stove, outhouse, maul, and handsaw.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 1 to December 31 each year.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability; the cabin requires reservations.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations made 14 days or fewer before arrival incur a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's use fee. No refunds are offered for cancellations or changes after the arrival date.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a wide range of recreational activities with a focus on enjoying the remote wilderness of the Kenai Mountains. Popular activities include fishing for grayling in Crescent Lake, hunting for moose, black and brown bears, and Dall sheep (in season), as well as hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. Extreme avalanche danger makes winter and early spring hiking risky. The cabin includes a rowboat, though users have noted its availability as inconsistent.
Hiking
Hiking is available but challenging, with trails such as the Crescent Creek Trail posing avalanche risks in winter and early spring. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake requires navigating avalanche chutes and is not recommended for small children. Reviews highlight muddy conditions, overgrown foliage, and stream crossings.Fishing
Fishing for grayling in Crescent Lake is highly popular, with the cabin providing a rowboat for fishing. However, reviewers have noted that the rowboat is often missing, causing disappointment. Fishing equipment and life jackets are not provided.Boating
A rowboat with oars is included for use at Crescent Lake, but reviews frequently note its inconsistent availability, with some visitors finding the boat missing during their stay. Life jackets are not provided.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with evidence of moose, brown bears, Dall sheep, and loons noted by visitors. "Plenty of evidence of moose, brown bear, and sheep or goats from the snow prints," as noted by one camper.Winter Activities
Winter activities are prominent, including skiing and snowshoeing. Extreme avalanche danger makes proper gear and experience essential.Water Sports
While the rowboat offers limited opportunity for non-motorized water activities, the absence of other described water sports suggests minimal emphasis on this activity.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Campfires are prohibited within 300 feet of the cabin.
Hazards
General hazardsExtreme avalanche danger during winter and spring; strong winds over Crescent Lake may pose risks for boats and planes.
Active alertsElodea invasive species detected in Crescent Lake as of 2023; campers should practice clean, drain, and dry methods to prevent its spread.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 70%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.3 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Seward Ranger District at 33599 Ranger Station Spur in Seward, AK, approximately 40 miles away.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025.
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by campers, as no trash or recycling facilities are provided.
Proximity to water featuresOverlooks Crescent Lake; water should be treated or boiled before consumption.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about the cabin's rowboat being unavailable despite being advertised. Difficult trail conditions (snow and mud) reported during seasonal transitions.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK, 99664, USA
Driving directionsAccess is by trail, 7 miles from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or 10.7 miles from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin is also accessible by floatplane.
The campground is difficult to access. Winter travel requires experience in backcountry conditions. Access methods include hiking, skiing, snowmobile, or floatplane. Not suitable for horseback or bikes.Nearby places
Seward (approx. 40 miles away, 1-hour drive)
Nearby supplies
Seward, AK offers grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel facilities approximately 40 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.6
10 reviews
Crescent Saddle Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the remote beauty and challenges of accessing Crescent Saddle Cabin. Visitors appreciate the stunning views and rustic amenities but frequently raise concerns about the missing rowboat, trail conditions, and avalanche risks.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Reviewers praise the cabin's stunning location, adequacy of amenities like the wood stove, and wildlife viewing opportunities. "Best forest service cabin I've been to. Seriously. It's the prettiest...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Complaints focus on the challenging accessibility, including muddy and slick trails, overgrown foliage, and snowpacks. The inconsistent availability of the rowboat is a recurring issue: "The boat is...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Tips from campers emphasize proper preparation for the trail, including waterproof gear, food and drink supplies, and avalanche safety. Boot spikes are recommended for crossing snowpacks, and taking...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter and early spring visits require backcountry expertise due to avalanche risks. Summer visits bring muddy trails and overgrown foliage, while fall trips feature scenic beauty without extreme...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Beautiful cabin in a stunning location! If arriving from Carter lake trailhead, plan to cross some dubious water depending on the time of the year!" - JEANNIE P. "Best forest service cabin I've been...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site-specific reviews mainly focus on the cabin itself and its amenities, with repeated mentions of the missing rowboat and the cabin's scenic beauty. "The cabin itself is on a beautiful spot. It’s...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
Accessibility concerns include challenging trails due to mud, snow, and avalanches. "The primitive trail was not easy and hard to follow in certain marshy areas," said one camper. The Carter Lake...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Last updated August 10, 2025