Established Camping
John Muir Cabin
John Muir Cabin is located in the Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, surrounded by dense forest and mountainous terrain. The area experiences temperature highs around 65°F in summer and lows near 20°F in winter. Visitors can explore the nearby Mendenhall Glacier and the scenic trails of the Juneau Icefield.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Tongass National Forest
Overview
John Muir Cabin was built in 1980 and named after John Muir to commemorate the 100th anniversary of his visit to the Gastineau Channel area. This rustic cabin is open year-round and offers spectacular views and plenty of recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The cabin is accessed by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 3.5 miles from the Spaulding Meadows/Auk Nu trailhead off of Glacier Highway. The trail is partially planked and winds through muskeg with a 1,500-foot elevation gain. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
The Auk Nu Trail continues past the cabin toward Auke Mountain. Cross-country skiing is excellent in winter, with close access to Spaulding Meadows and an undeveloped trail to Peterson Lake Cabin (map and compass are recommended). Skis or snowshoes are recommended in winter.
Natural Features
The cabin sits in a subalpine meadow 1,550 feet above the Mendenhall Valley. This vantage point offers great views of Juneau, Gastineau Channel, Auke Bay, the Chilkat Mountains, Admiralty Island and numerous ice field peaks. Brown and black bears, deer and porcupines are common to the area (bear safety information). A variety of bird species make their home here, including the bald eagle.
Fee Info
Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.
Location
John Muir Cabin is located in Alaska
Directions
The 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. A marked skiing trail connects John Muir Cabin to Peterson Lake Cabin in the winter. A GPS or map and compass are recommended.
Address
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, AK 99801
Coordinates
58.4094444 N
134.6966667 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Stay Connected
- WiFiAvailable
- VerizonUnknown
- AT&TUnknown
- T-MobileGood
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Fires
