Established Camping
Windfall Lake Cabin
Windfall Lake Cabin is located in the Tongass National Forest near Juneau, Alaska, surrounded by forested terrain and mountainous landscapes. 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 Nugget Falls, offering opportunities for hiking and sightseeing.
Description
USDA Forest Service
Tongass National Forest
Overview
Windfall Lake Cabin, built in 1998, is one of the most popular cabins on the Tongass National Forest. This rustic retreat is open year-round and is open as an overnight accommodation and a warming hut for winter recreationists. The cabin is an ideal base for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Windfall Lake or participating in various recreational activities. The site can be accessed by the Windfall Lake Trail, Montana Creek Trail or floatplane, depending on conditions. Winter weather may require a 3-mile trek on snowshoes or skis. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
The partially planked trail leading to the cabin has an elevation gain of 100 feet, appealing to hikers, snowshoers and skiers of all levels. Cross-country skiing is good in winter on an undeveloped trail route to Spaulding Meadows (map and compass are recommended). Visitors can use canoes to explore Windfall Lake, and must bring their own flotation devices. Salmon and trout fishing in Windfall Creek and Windfall Lake is possible with a state fishing license.
Natural Features
The cabin sits on the eastern end of Windfall Lake, just off the shore. The front deck overlooks the crystal-clear water and offers views of the surrounding mountains and dense evergreen forest. Bears are frequent visitors to the area, and visitors may see beavers and a variety of waterfowl on the lake. Berries grow in the area, and are available for picking in the summer.
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
Windfall Lake Cabin is located in Alaska
Directions
Access is by hiking trail or floatplane. Take Glacier Highway north of Juneau to 26.6 miles, the parking area is on the right just past Herbert River Road before the Herbert River Bridge. A 1 mile hike on Herbert River Road leads you to the trailhead on the bank of Herbert River. The road is closed to vehicle traffic. The trail is 3 miles and can be used by hikers, snowshoers and skiers. Alternate trail to cabin is 7 miles and starts at the end of Montana Creek Road. The cabin is also accessible by jet boat. Access the Herbert River by Eagle Beach and continue up the Herbert River into the Windfall River. Sometimes river obstructions will occur.
Address
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Juneau, AK 99801
Coordinates
58.5091667 N
134.7227778 W
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Stay Connected
- WiFiGood
- VerizonAvailable
- AT&TGood
- T-MobileAvailable
Site Types
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Fires