Upper Paradise Lake Cabin
05 reviewsSeward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur
Upper Paradise Lake 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
Cabin rates are $60.00 per night during peak season (May 01 - September 30) and $50.00 per night during non-peak season (October 01 - December 31). These rates do not reflect discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
About this campground
Escape to the edge of the world at Upper Paradise Lake Cabin, where true wilderness solitude awaits in Alaska's pristine alpine forest. This remote log cabin sanctuary, reachable only by floatplane, delivers the ultimate off-grid experience for adventurers seeking authentic Alaskan wilderness. Cast your line into crystal-clear waters, track wildlife through untouched forests, or simply marvel at glacier views from your private lakeside retreat. While the cabin provides shelter and basic comforts, you'll need to pack your own provisions for this genuine backcountry experience—a small price for accessing one of Alaska's most secluded treasures.
Upper Paradise Lake Cabin is classified as a primitive camping option due to its remote location and lack of modern amenities. It caters to individuals seeking cabin lodging rather than traditional tent or RV camping.
Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Upper Paradise Lake into an outdoor playground from May through September, with comfortable temperatures perfect for fishing expeditions and berry picking adventures. As autumn gives way to winter (October through December), the landscape becomes a frozen wonderland—beautiful but unforgiving. These colder months bring extreme temperatures and challenging conditions that can ground floatplanes, effectively closing this aerial gateway to paradise. Plan your visit during peak season for the full spectrum of activities, or brave the shoulder seasons for an even more isolated experience.
ElevationPerched at 1,340 feet above sea level, the cabin occupies a sweet spot in Alaska's vertical landscape—high enough to offer spectacular mountain vistas, yet accessible enough for comfortable breathing and moderate hiking.
Natural Features and SceneryYour lakeside haven sits on the western shore of Upper Paradise Lake, where morning mist dances across mirror-like waters and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks. A natural tapestry of alder and willow creates intimate forest corridors perfect for wildlife viewing, while late summer and fall transform the understory into nature's grocery store, laden with plump wild berries. The crown jewel of your view? Wolverine Glacier, a frozen river of ancient ice cascading down the Kenai Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop that changes with every shift of light.
Geological RegionNestled in the heart of south-central Alaska's alpine wilderness, this lakeside refuge lies east of the Seward Highway in a landscape sculpted by ice and time. The western shore of Upper Paradise Lake cradles the cabin among groves of hardy alder and willow—resilient northern species that thrive in this rugged terrain. Late summer visitors can forage for wild berries that flourish in the brief but intense growing season, adding a taste of Alaska's natural bounty to their wilderness experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityDue to its location, accessibility is limited to visitors who can travel by floatplane. There is no information about specific accessibility accommodations for disabilities.
Sites SizeThe cabin accommodates a maximum of eight individuals, with bunk space for six people.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is secluded and surrounded by alder and willow trees for privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring bedding, sleeping pads, flashlights, cooking gear, food, clothing, and utensils. Prepare for potential weather-related delays.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time not specified.
Check-out
Check-out time not specified.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 7 nights total within each year.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy of eight people 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 on Upper Paradise Lake.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen May 01, 2025, and closes December 31, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance.
Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required. Access is by floatplane only; no walk-up availability is indicated.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival. Cancellation within 14 days of arrival incurs a $10 cancellation fee and forfeits the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds for no-shows, early departures, or cancellations 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
Guests can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, hiking, and hunting. "The cabin offers seclusion and good fishing. A rowboat and oars provided at the cabin gives anglers excellent opportunities to catch grayling on the small, adjacent lake." Hunting is popular during designated seasons. Wildlife includes moose, black and brown bears, sheep, and mountain goats. Hiking opportunities lead to spectacular views of Wolverine Glacier.
Hiking
While there are no maintained trails, the area provides opportunities for exploration and hiking with scenic views, including Wolverine Glacier.Fishing
Fishing is excellent in the adjacent lake, where grayling can be caught. A rowboat and oars are provided, although life jackets are not.Boating
Boating is made available through the use of the rowboat provided at the cabin.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife includes moose, black and brown bears, sheep, and mountain goats. "Black bears sited above tree line" and "didn't see any sheep or goat while glassing" are notes from user reviews.Winter Activities
During winter, access may be extremely difficult due to frozen lakes and adverse weather conditions.Water Sports
Kayaking or other water sports are not explicitly mentioned, although the rowboat may be used for similar activities.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- No specific fire policies provided. Visitors are reminded to "Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests" by not moving firewood.
Hazards
General hazards"Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers." Bear encounters, freezing weather, and the remote location require extra caution.
Weather forecast
54
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.6 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
Contact Seward Ranger District (907-288-3178). No direct emergency service information for hospitals or ranger stations provided.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025
Trash and recyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by the visitors. No trash or recycling services are provided on-site.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on the western shore of Upper Paradise Lake with a rowboat for exploring the lake.
Common complaints"No firewood around the cabin" as noted by user reviews. Difficulties accessing the cabin during poor weather conditions were mentioned.
Campground Map
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur
Driving directionsAccess via floatplane only (15 minutes from Moose Pass or 15 minutes from Seward). Travel times may be dependent on seasonal and/or weather conditions. For current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.
The campground is accessible only by floatplane and access becomes extremely difficult in winter due to frozen lakes. "Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety."Nearby places
Moose Pass (~15 minutes by floatplane), Seward (~15 minutes by floatplane)
Nearby supplies
Contact Seward Ranger District (907-288-3178). No direct supply locations specified in proximity to the cabin.
Camper Reviews
0.0
5 reviews
Upper Paradise Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
Users frequently mention the cabin's remote and beautiful location, excellent fishing opportunities, and the scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. "This cabin is awesome. By far the best Forest Service public use cabin I've ever used."
Review Summaries
Based on 5 reviews
What Campers Love
Guests have noted the stunning scenery, excellent fishing for grayling, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Scenery is stunning looking out from the cabin and fishing right off the beach can't...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Challenges include limited firewood availability, the need to bring extensive supplies, and adverse weather conditions affecting accessibility. "A big storm blew in, we were unable to make it to the...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring firewood, as it is limited in the area, along with bedding, sleeping pads, and sufficient food supplies. Prepare for possible delays due to weather conditions.
Based on 5 reviewsSeasonal Insights
During August, visitors praised blueberry picking and fishing opportunities. Winter access is extremely limited due to frozen lakes. Summer and early fall are ideal for outdoor activities.
Based on 5 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Make sure you bring firewood. None around the cabin." "Didn't see any sheep or goat while glassing. Black bears sited above tree line." "Beautiful views, we were there moose and bear hunting. No...
Based on 5 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsite S01 reviews highlight experiences such as fishing and rowing. "Spent our days rowing the boat and fishing all over the lake."
Based on 5 reviewsAccessibility Features
Due to floatplane-only access, accessibility is severely limited for individuals with mobility challenges.
Based on 5 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025