Dan Moller Cabin
4.5510 reviewsJuneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Dan Moller Cabin
$75.00 - $75.00 / 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
The nightly fee for reserving the cabin is $75. Additional fees apply for modifications ($10) and cancellations ($10 plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for cancellations made less than 14 days prior to the reservation).
About this campground
Perched at 1,800 feet in the heart of Douglas Island's alpine wilderness, Dan Moller Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan retreat. This charming cedar sanctuary serves as your gateway to year-round mountain exploration, whether you arrive on foot through summer wildflower meadows or glide in on skis through winter's pristine snowscape. Inside, you'll find a cozy refuge equipped with sturdy bunks, the warmth of both a propane furnace and traditional wood stove, and a covered deck perfect for morning coffee with eagles soaring overhead. While the cabin embraces rustic simplicity without electricity or running water, it offers something far more valuable: an intimate connection with Alaska's untamed beauty.
Dan Moller Cabin offers a unique backcountry lodging experience ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly suited for hikers, skiers, and snowmobilers.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms this mountain haven into a distinct wonderland. Winter wraps the cabin in a thick blanket of snow, creating a crystalline playground for snowshoers and skiers while temperatures plunge into nature's deep freeze. As spring arrives, avalanche conditions demand respect and careful planning from visitors. Summer unveils a spectacular transformation as alpine meadows burst into a painter's palette of wildflowers, and moderate temperatures invite long days of exploration. Throughout the year, morning frost can glaze the trail planks like glass, while afternoon rains turn them into slick ribbons through the forest—each weather pattern adding its own adventure to your journey.
ElevationAt 1,800 feet above sea level, Dan Moller Cabin occupies a sweet spot in Douglas Island's vertical landscape—high enough to deliver breathtaking panoramic vistas that stretch across multiple mountain ranges, yet accessible enough for determined hikers. This alpine perch places you above the coastal fog that often hugs the shoreline, offering crystal-clear views and that coveted above-the-clouds sensation that makes every sunrise and sunset an unforgettable spectacle.
Natural Features and SceneryYour view from Dan Moller Cabin reads like a love letter to Alaska's raw beauty. Snow-capped peaks pierce the sky in every direction, their granite faces catching alpenglow at dawn and dusk. Ancient evergreens stand sentinel around the cabin, their branches heavy with snow in winter or gleaming emerald in summer sun. Just steps away, Kowee Creek tumbles down from its headwaters, providing a natural soundtrack to your stay. Come July and August, the surrounding meadows explode with lupine, fireweed, and alpine forget-me-nots, creating nature's own rock garden against the dramatic mountain backdrop.
Geological RegionNestled in the rugged alpine terrain of central Douglas Island, the cabin sits at the confluence of ancient geological forces that carved this dramatic landscape. Near the headwaters of Kowee Creek, you're witnessing the ongoing story of mountains shaped by glaciers, time, and weather. The surrounding peaks showcase the island's volcanic past, while dense evergreen forests cling to slopes that plunge toward distant valleys. This is quintessential Southeast Alaska—where temperate rainforest meets alpine tundra, creating diverse ecosystems within a single ambitious hike from sea level to summit.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo information about accessibility features is available, but one user review mentions a 'brand new ADA trail for veterans and those alike,' suggesting some level of accessibility improvement nearby.
Sites SizeThe cabin measures 16x20 feet and sleeps seven.
Sites PrivacyLocated in a remote alpine setting, the cabin offers a high degree of privacy.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesUser reviews recommend bringing sufficient propane and firewood during winter months due to limited availability. Staying during clear weather improves trail safety.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
10:00 AM
Check-out
5:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 2 nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 7 guests allowed.
Groups
Group camping details are not mentioned.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cedar cabin with 16-by-20 dimensions. Includes a loft, covered decks, and an outhouse.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov and its associated contact center.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin is open as a warming shelter for public use from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walk-up visitors cannot book overnight stays without prior reservation.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations incur a $10 fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee if canceled less than 14 days prior to the reservation. Late cancellations and no-shows are subject to additional penalties. Modifications outside the original reservation dates also incur a $10 fee.
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
Activities around Dan Moller Cabin include hiking, snowmobiling, skiing, snowshoeing, camping, wildlife viewing, and berry picking. The trail to the cabin is a 3-mile hike featuring an 1,800-foot elevation gain and passes through muskeg and scenic meadows.
Hiking
The Dan Moller Trail is a 3-mile hike with an 1,800-foot elevation gain. The trail is partially planked but can become slippery when wet or frosty. "Long, arduous trail for beginners, but the end result of arriving at the cabin is worth it!" says one user review.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife in the area includes black bears, deer, grouse, and wolves. Summer meadows bloom with wildflowers, enhancing the wildlife viewing experience.Winter Activities
Winter activities include snowmobiling, snowshoeing, skiing, and cross-country skiing. "A quick jaunt up to the ridge offers some good skiing," according to a user review.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Visitors are required to bring their own firewood and follow fire safety guidelines.
Hazards
General hazardsHigh avalanche danger exists in winter and early spring; trail planks can be slippery when wet or frosty. Wildlife including black bears and wolves are present.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 1.6 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
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
Emergency services are located in Juneau, approximately 3.5 miles away, including hospitals and ranger stations.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling services are not provided. Campers must pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresNear Kowee Creek, water can be drawn from the stream uphill from the cabin, but must be treated before use.
Common complaintsComplaints from user reviews mention issues with propane supply and firewood being difficult to access under snow.
Campground Map
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Driving directionsLocated 3.5 miles southwest of Juneau on Douglas Island. Access is by a 3-mile trail on Pioneer Street off Cordova Street in West Juneau or at a trailhead at the end of Jackson Road. The cabin is also accessible by helicopter.
The trail to the cabin spans 3 miles and has an elevation gain of 1,800 feet. It is accessible year-round by hiking, snowmobiling (when snow is at least a foot deep), snowshoeing, or skiing. Access by helicopter is also possible.Nearby places
Juneau is the closest city, approximately 3.5 miles southwest of the site.
Nearby supplies
Supplies can be obtained in Juneau, which is 3.5 miles from the site.
Camper Reviews
4.6
10 reviews
Dan Moller Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Dan Moller Cabin highlight its stunning views, cleanliness, and the challenge of the hike to reach it. The trail's difficulty is noted, particularly for beginners, but most agree the effort is rewarded with incredible scenery and a cozy cabin.
Review Summaries
Based on 10 reviews
What Campers Love
Common praise includes the cabin's spaciousness, cleanliness, and the breathtaking alpine views. "Beautiful cabin and scenery" and "the cabin is always in great shape" are frequent sentiments.
Based on 10 reviewsCommon Concerns
Criticism includes the lack of propane in the furnace during some visits and the difficulty of finding firewood under snow. One visitor mentioned, "There wasn't any propane left in the tank and it's...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing extra propane and being prepared to treat water from the stream. Snowmobilers and skiers are advised to exercise caution due to avalanche risks.
Based on 10 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Winter visitors often praise the area for its skiing and snowmobiling potential, although noise from snowmobiles can detract from the experience. Summer visitors enjoy the wildflower meadows and...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Great little hike up to this cabin. Perfect spot to get dry before the hike down, or spend the night." "Long, arduous trail for beginners, but the end result of arriving at the cabin is worth it!"...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site J05 is frequently mentioned with comments like "Clean, heat worked well, plenty of snow for snow shoeing." Another reviewer noted excellent skiing opportunities near the cabin but advised...
Based on 10 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
One review mentions a 'brand new ADA trail for veterans and those alike,' indicating improvements in accessibility, but details are limited.
Based on 10 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific mentions of pet policies or experiences are available.
Based on 10 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025