John Muir Cabin
4.7214 reviewsJuneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
John Muir 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 the cabin is $75. This does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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Recreation.govProvider
About this campground
Perched high above the Mendenhall Valley, the John Muir Cabin beckons adventurers seeking a true wilderness escape. This charming 15'x12' chalet-style log cabin, crafted in 1980 to honor the legendary naturalist's exploration of the Gastineau Channel region, serves as your gateway to Alaska's raw beauty. Whether you arrive on snowshoes in winter's embrace or trek through wildflower meadows in summer, this year-round retreat rewards your journey with rustic comfort and unforgettable vistas that stretch to the horizon.
The John Muir Cabin provides a unique backcountry camping experience within a rustic cabin setting. It is accessible by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing and offers a secluded environment in a subalpine meadow.
Historical SignificanceThis humble cabin stands as a living tribute to John Muir's pioneering spirit, erected a century after the famous naturalist first gazed upon the Gastineau Channel's magnificent waters. Here, where Muir once walked and wondered at Alaska's untamed grandeur, modern adventurers can connect with the same sense of awe that inspired America's conservation movement. The cabin serves not just as shelter, but as a bridge between past and present, honoring the legacy of a man who taught us to see wilderness as sacred.
Weather and SeasonsEach season transforms your cabin experience into a distinct adventure. Winter cloaks the approach in pristine snow, turning your journey into a peaceful ski or snowshoe expedition through a crystalline wonderland. As summer arrives, the trails clear to reveal vibrant hiking paths, though the meadow awakens with its own buzzing ecosystem—a reminder that you're sharing this alpine paradise with its smallest inhabitants. Pack accordingly, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storms with little warning.
ElevationYour adventure begins at sea level and climbs steadily through 1,550 vertical feet, each step carrying you further from civilization and deeper into the subalpine realm. This significant elevation gain transforms more than just the landscape—it's a journey that tests your determination while rewarding you with increasingly spectacular views. The thin mountain air and steep approach serve as nature's gatekeepers, ensuring that those who reach the cabin have truly earned their alpine sanctuary.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your doorstep at 1,550 feet, a breathtaking 360-degree panorama unfolds across Southeast Alaska's most iconic landscapes. The cabin's subalpine meadow setting frames sweeping views of Juneau's lights twinkling below, the deep blue waters of Gastineau Channel and Auke Bay, and the snow-capped sentinels of the Chilkat Mountains. On clear days, Admiralty Island emerges from the mist while ice field peaks pierce the sky. This living postcard changes hourly as weather, light, and seasons paint new masterpieces across the canvas of wilderness.
Geological RegionNestled in a subalpine meadow that feels suspended between earth and sky, the cabin occupies a unique geological perch 1,550 feet above the Mendenhall Valley. This elevated platform offers front-row seats to Southeast Alaska's geological theater, where ancient ice fields sculpt the landscape, tectonic forces raise mountain ramparts, and glacial valleys tell stories millions of years in the making. From this natural balcony, witness the dramatic interplay of land and sea that defines the Gastineau Channel region, with views stretching from Juneau's urban edge to the wild shores of Admiralty Island and the eternal ice of distant peaks.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe cabin includes a ramp leading to the vault toilet, providing some accessibility for visitors.
Sites SizeThe cabin is approximately 15'x12', with space to sleep about 10 people.
Sites PrivacyThe site offers a quiet and secluded environment, surrounded by subalpine meadows and picturesque views.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesRecommended for groups of up to 10. Bring water treatment supplies, winter gear like snowshoes, and bug spray for summer visits.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole accommodation.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 2 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 10 people comfortably.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with two floors, double bunks on the first floor, and additional bunks on the second floor.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round; reservations can be made starting June 20, 2025, for the period ending December 19, 2025.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin is open as a warming shelter from 10 AM to 5 PM for public use without reservations.
Cancellation PolicyA $10 cancellation fee applies, with additional late cancellation penalties. Cancellations within 14 days of check-in forfeit the first night's 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
The area around the John Muir Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. The cabin is located along the Auk Nu Trail, which connects to Auke Mountain and provides access to Spaulding Meadows. Winter activities include excellent cross-country skiing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy observing brown and black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife species.
Hiking
The Auk Nu Trail, accessible from the cabin, offers hiking opportunities with a 1,500-foot elevation gain over 3.5 miles. The trail is partially planked, and some sections are described as slippery or blocked by fallen trees.Wildlife viewing
The area is home to brown and black bears, porcupines, and a variety of bird species, including bald eagles. Visitors are advised to follow bear safety guidelines.Winter Activities
Winter activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skiing along the Auk Nu Trail. Crampons or microspikes are recommended for safety during icy conditions.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood stoves are available, but visitors must bring their own fire starter. The use of local firewood is encouraged to prevent tree pests.
- Quiet hours not explicitly mentioned; null.
Hazards
General hazardsSlippery planked trails, elevation challenges, and wildlife including bears. 'Bring crampons if visiting during winter months,' noted one user review.
Weather forecast
61
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 78%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.8 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Partly cloudy
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
Closest emergency services are located in Juneau. Specific details about hospitals, ranger stations, or police stations are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1 to December 31 annually.
Trash and recyclingVisitors are expected to pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean before departure.
Proximity to water featuresWater is available from a nearby stream but requires treatment before use. The meadow in front of the cabin has flowing water but is buggy.
Common complaintsUsers mentioned slippery trails and limited thermostat control for the propane stove. Bears and bugs in summer were also noted as concerns.
Campground Map
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Driving directionsThe cabin is 13 miles northwest of Juneau. Access by hiking, skiing, and snowshoeing. The first 0.8 miles is on Spaulding Meadows Trail, and the rest is on the Auk Nu Trail. The trailhead is located at mile marker 12.3 off Glacier Highway. The cabin is also accessible by helicopter.
Access is primarily via hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, with a 3.5-mile trail involving a 1,500-foot elevation gain. The trail is partially planked but can be slippery and steep in places. Helicopter access is also possible.Nearby places
Juneau (13 miles northwest), travel time depends on hiking conditions.
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, food, and fuel can be procured in the city of Juneau, which is 13 miles away from the trailhead.
Camper Reviews
4.7
14 reviews
John Muir Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the John Muir Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers praising the warmth, cleanliness, and scenic location of the cabin. Some common themes include the quality of the propane furnace, incredible views, and the well-maintained trail leading to the cabin.
Review Summaries
Based on 14 reviews
What Campers Love
Visitors frequently praised the warmth provided by the propane furnace, the sturdy and spacious design of the cabin, and the breathtaking views of Juneau, Auke Bay, and surrounding peaks. Many...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Some visitors mentioned challenges such as the need for better instructions for using the propane stove, slippery trail conditions due to rain, and the tannic water supply. One reviewer noted that...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend bringing crampons or microspikes for winter hikes, packing tape to seal small gaps in window screens, and filling water bottles at streams along the trail instead of relying on the...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Winter reviews emphasize the need for crampons and preparation for icy conditions. Summer reviews highlight the presence of bugs in the meadow and the beauty of the hike. Fall reviews caution about...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"The propane stove was awesome, and the view was incredible!" - Sydney H. "The cabin was super-clean, toasty warm, and buffeted the 30 knot winds and driving rain well." - Sally S. "Amazing views and...
Based on 14 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Most reviews specifically mention the cabin itself (J04) as a highlight of the experience. The spiral staircase and elevated second floor are noted as unique features.
Based on 14 reviewsAccessibility Features
The ramp to the vault toilet is noted as a helpful feature, but the trail's slippery conditions could pose challenges for visitors with mobility concerns.
Based on 14 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025