Campground Details - JOHN MUIR CABIN, AK - ReserveAmerica

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.

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.

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.

Facilities:

This 15’ x 12’ chalet-style log cabin has two double bunks on the first floor and two bunks that can sleep six on the second floor. Other amenities include a table with benches, wood stove, broom and dustpan, snow shovel, propane furnace and a ramp and hardened trail to the vault toilet. Propane is provided.

Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

Cooking facilities are not available. Visitors should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Bed(s) Birding Broom & Dust Pan Bunkbed(s) Cabin Rentals Creek Access Cross Country Skiing	Hiking Propane Heat Snowshoeing Trails Vault Toilets Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
Please pack out all trash and food
Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
Cabin is open to public as a warming shelter from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
58.40944, -134.69667
58°24'34"N, 134°41'48"W

The cabin is 13 miles northwest of Juneau. Access by hiking, skiing and snowshoeing only. 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.