About CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN
Overview Elodea has been found in Crescent Lake in 2023. Please stop aquatic hitchikers and use clean, drain, dry methods to prevent the spread of elodea. For more information on elodea. Crescent Saddle Cabin offers a remote and secluded place to stay in the Kenai Mountains of southeastern Alaska. It is difficult to access, but rewards visitors with spectacular views of the surrounding region. Winter travel is recommended only for those with experience in the backcountry. This site can be accessed by hiking, skiing, snowmobile and floatplane. Not recommended for horseback or bikes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Fishing on Crescent Lake is very popular for grayling. A rowboat with oars is available at the cabin, but life jackets and fishing equipment are not provided. In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears and Dall sheep. Hiking, horseback riding, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular activities. There is extreme avalanche danger on the Crescent Creek Trail in winter and early spring. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake crosses several avalanche chutes and should not be used in the winter.Facilities The cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and hand saw are available. An outhouse is also provided. There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption.Natural Features The cabin is located south of Sterling Highway on the Crescent Lake Trail. It overlooks Crescent Lake, at an elevation of about 1,450 feet. The cabin is set back from the lake, amid a scattered forest and lots of wildflowers i
How to Get There
Access is by trail, 7 miles from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or (10.7 miles from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin is also accessible by floatplane. Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Refer to USGS maps Seward B7, C7 and C8. Maps are available online or by calling the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178. Learn more about Carter Lake and Crescent Creek.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 0 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
- 🥾
Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
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Sun protection
Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN
Heading to CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233028) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to CRESCENT SADDLE CABIN?
Access is by trail, 7 miles from the Carter Lake Trailhead at milepost 34 of the Seward Highway or (10.7 miles from the Crescent Creek Trailhead, from milepost 45 on Sterling Highway, take Quartz Creek road 3.2 miles to the Crescent Creek Trailhead. Cabin is also accessible by floatplane. Winter travelers need to be able to evaluate avalanche and over-ice travel conditions. Refer to USGS maps Sewa…
References & Official Resources
