## Overview

 Crow Pass Cabin is located about 500 yards off the Crow Pass Trail, which follows part of the former supply route for the Iditarod Trail. The trail is popular destination for its historic sites, stunning scenery and wildlife watching opportunities. The cabin is an ideal stop for visitors hiking the entire length of the trail, which takes an estimated two to three days, or for visitors interested in a good base camp for mountain climbing or backcountry skiing in the area. The site is only available for rent from June through October due to elevated avalanche danger during the winter and spring months. Please note, hazardous avalanche conditions may exist in this area as early as October and well into June some years. Getting there requires a 3-mile hike from the Crow Pass Trailhead off Crow Creek Road with an elevation gain of 2,080 feet. The trail may have snow October through mid-June. There is a small stream crossings to navigate just before the Cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities including sleeping pads, sleeping bags, cook stove, toilet paper, pots and utensils as well as some form of water purification. More information on avalanche hazards in this area can be found at the Chugach NF Avalanche Center website (www.CNFAIC.org ). If accessing this cabin in late fall or early summer, please be prepared for winter conditions and/ or potential avalanche hazards affecting the route in along the Crow Pass Trail. 
## Recreation

 The Crow Pass Trail is a picturesque 24-mile section (Girdwood to Eagle River) of the Iditarod National Historic Trail offering alpine hiking, trail running and sightseeing opportunities. The Cabin is ~3 miles from the Girdwood Crowpass Traihead. The section to the Cabin is a popular trail for families, but does have steep switchbacks in places. Interesting points between the trailhead and the cabin include the Monarch Mine ruins and several waterfalls. The trail continues past the cabin, revealing views of Raven Glacier and eventually the Eagle River. To continue the thru hike all the way to the Eagle River Nature Center (North Trailhead), it requires a substantial river crossing. The Eagle River Nature Center is a good resource for updated info on the river crossing. (907) 694-2108. Glaciers and peaks around the cabin offer experienced climbers a challenging adventure. Hunting is possible, but the activity is tightly regulated in this area with limited permits available from the State of Alaska. 
## Facilities

 The cabin is a 16x16-foot, A-frame with a main floor and sleeping loft. It can accommodate 6 people and offers wooden bunks, a table with benches, fire extinguisher, snow shovel, a broom and an outside pit toilet. A (Kerosene) stove is provided as a heat source though cabin users are responsible for bringing their own supply of Kerosene.Electricity, water, toilet paper, and fuel for the heater are not provided. Guests are responsible for supplying their own drinking water, kerosene for heater (typically 1 gallon/ day is sufficent), a cook stove, flashlights or lanterns, bedding, mattresses, toilet paper, garbage bags, cookware, dishes and utensils. A small creek is located near the Cabin but water should be treated before consumption. 
## Natural Features

 The cabin is situated in the Chugach Mountains near Crystal Lake at an elevation of about 3,500 feet. It sits in open tundra above the tree line with vegetation of low shrubs, grasses and summer wildflowers. Black and brown bears, wolves and moose inhabit the area ([learn about bear safety][1]). Dall sheep, mountain goats, marmots, arctic ground squirrels and white-tailed ptarmigan may be spotted on the rocky terrain surrounding the cabin. 
## contact\_info

 This location is unstaffed. To speak with our main office for general information, please call: (907) 783-3242. 

[1]: http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry

Crow Pass Cabin

Crow Pass is.. um.. AHHHHHMAZIIINNNNGGG!!

All the shows you see on t.v that look like "wild Alaska".. this is it!!

If you choose to start the Girdwood side you will travel south via Glenn Highway from Anchorage approx 45 minutes. Take the Girdwood exit.. can't miss it, it has the busiest Gas station in the State! Follow this road until you see Crow creek mine rd on your left.. take that. Follow it till the parking area on your right. Before you head out you might as well do the quick 3 mile round trip winner creek trail that has an awesome hand tram over the river.. scary yes.. worth it absolutely!!

Before you head out on Crow pass if you choose to do all 24 miles be sure that you have someone on the Eagle River Nature side to get you or leave a car 5$ fee for parking. AND ask them to leave an espresso as I TOTALLY needed one right then!!

As you head up the trail you will see state cabin #1.. you can stay here for free.. or if it is pre rented you need to stay outside.. which we did. And it was wonderful.. a small creek runs by here and it is set in the most serene place on earth.. You can't help sing like " The hills are alive with music!"

We only camped one night and trekked the rest of the way.. yes all the way.. awesome and crazy.. you must cross Eagle river to finish the whole trail and if you choose to do this please read up on and be prepared on ways to river cross. Triangle formation, walking stick, group.. I am 5'4" and the extra rain this year made this portion of the hike EXTREMELY dangerous for me as the water was above my waste, and if it wasn't for the triangle formation I'm sure I would have seen some pretty amazing scenery way down the river.

Moose, Bear and Beaver own this land. I HIGHLY recommend a camera, as were took few too many pics.. and Bear spray. Never let your guard down when you hike here as there are surprised around every corner. People laugh when I tell them a beaver chased me.. funny as it is.. THAT SUCKER WAS HUGE and chased me good ways.. my partner laughed.. not cool.

Pack everything in you need, water filter, tent, food, first aid, blister pads, rain gear and bear spray. You can pack ultra light and do this trail in one day.. but whats the rush.. it is AMAZING!!