Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

3 reviews

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

1,340 ft

Price

$50 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025, a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Seward Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,340 ft

Price

$50 - $60/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 01, 2025, a...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Seward Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

$50.00 - $60.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Cabin rates are $60.00 per night during peak season (May 01 - September 30) and $50.00 per night during non-peak season (October 01 - December 31)....

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-288-3178

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What Campers Say

N/A

Limited Reviews

Based on 3 reviews

Most mentioned

scenerylakebeach

"Users frequently mention the cabin's remote and beautiful location, excellent fishing opportunities, and the scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. "This cabin is awesome. By far the best Forest Service public use cabin I've ever used.""

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur

Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur

Driving directionsAccess via floatplane only (15 minutes from Moose Pass or 15 minutes from Seward). Travel times may be dependent on seasonal and/or weather conditions. For current travel conditions call the Seward Ranger District at 907-288-3178.

The campground is accessible only by floatplane and access becomes extremely difficult in winter due to frozen lakes. "Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety."

Nearby places

Moose Pass (~15 minutes by floatplane), Seward (~15 minutes by floatplane)

Nearby supplies

Contact Seward Ranger District (907-288-3178). No direct supply locations specified in proximity to the cabin.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

Summer transforms Upper Paradise Lake into an outdoor playground from May through September, with comfortable temperatures perfect for fishing expeditions and berry picking adventures. As autumn gives way to winter (October through December), the landscape becomes a frozen wonderland—beautiful but unforgiving. These colder months bring extreme temperatures and challenging conditions that can ground floatplanes, effectively closing this aerial gateway to paradise. Plan your visit during peak season for the full spectrum of activities, or brave the shoulder seasons for an even more isolated experience.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

May–Sep peak season: ideal temperatures, fishing, berry picking, and strong visitor praise in August.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Autumn offers berry picking and good scenery but shorter season and worsening weather limit activities.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Site opens May 1; late spring is usable but may still be cool and logistics remain challenging.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Winter access extremely limited; frozen lakes and closures make winter use impractical.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 01, 2025 - September 30, 2025. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 01, 2025, and closes December 31, 2025.

About Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

Escape to the edge of the world at Upper Paradise Lake Cabin, where true wilderness solitude awaits in Alaska's pristine alpine forest. This remote log cabin sanctuary, reachable only by floatplane, delivers the ultimate off-grid experience for adventurers seeking authentic Alaskan wilderness. Cast your line into crystal-clear waters, track wildlife through untouched forests, or simply marvel at glacier views from your private lakeside retreat. While the cabin provides shelter and basic comforts, you'll need to pack your own provisions for this genuine backcountry experience—a small price for accessing one of Alaska's most secluded treasures.

Upper Paradise Lake Cabin is classified as a primitive camping option due to its remote location and lack of modern amenities. It caters to individuals seeking cabin lodging rather than traditional tent or RV camping.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms Upper Paradise Lake into an outdoor playground from May through September, with comfortable temperatures perfect for fishing expeditions and berry picking adventures. As autumn gives way to winter (October through December), the landscape becomes a frozen wonderland—beautiful but unforgiving. These colder months bring extreme temperatures and challenging conditions that can ground floatplanes, effectively closing this aerial gateway to paradise. Plan your visit during peak season for the full spectrum of activities, or brave the shoulder seasons for an even more isolated experience.

ElevationPerched at 1,340 feet above sea level, the cabin occupies a sweet spot in Alaska's vertical landscape—high enough to offer spectacular mountain vistas, yet accessible enough for comfortable breathing and moderate hiking.

Natural Features and SceneryYour lakeside haven sits on the western shore of Upper Paradise Lake, where morning mist dances across mirror-like waters and evening alpenglow paints the surrounding peaks. A natural tapestry of alder and willow creates intimate forest corridors perfect for wildlife viewing, while late summer and fall transform the understory into nature's grocery store, laden with plump wild berries. The crown jewel of your view? Wolverine Glacier, a frozen river of ancient ice cascading down the Kenai Mountains, providing a dramatic backdrop that changes with every shift of light.

Geological RegionNestled in the heart of south-central Alaska's alpine wilderness, this lakeside refuge lies east of the Seward Highway in a landscape sculpted by ice and time. The western shore of Upper Paradise Lake cradles the cabin among groves of hardy alder and willow—resilient northern species that thrive in this rugged terrain. Late summer visitors can forage for wild berries that flourish in the brief but intense growing season, adding a taste of Alaska's natural bounty to their wilderness experience.

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in time not specified.

Check-out

Check-out time not specified.

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit and up to 7 nights total within each year.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of eight people per cabin.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin on Upper Paradise Lake.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov up to 180 days in advance.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required. Access is by floatplane only; no walk-up availability is indicated.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the date of arrival. Cancellation within 14 days of arrival incurs a $10 cancellation fee and forfeits the first night's recreation use fee. No refunds for no-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the arrival date.

AccessibilityDue to its location, accessibility is limited to visitors who can travel by floatplane. There is no information about specific accessibility accommodations for disabilities.

Site SizeThe cabin accommodates a maximum of eight individuals, with bunk space for six people.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded and surrounded by alder and willow trees for privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesBring bedding, sleeping pads, flashlights, cooking gear, food, clothing, and utensils. Prepare for potential weather-related delays.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Guests can enjoy fishing, wildlife viewing, boating, hiking, and hunting. "The cabin offers seclusion and good fishing. A rowboat and oars provided at the cabin gives anglers excellent opportunities to catch grayling on the small, adjacent lake." Hunting is popular during designated seasons. Wildlife includes moose, black and brown bears, sheep, and mountain goats. Hiking opportunities lead to spectacular views of Wolverine Glacier.

HikingWhile there are no maintained trails, the area provides opportunities for exploration and hiking with scenic views, including Wolverine Glacier.

FishingFishing is excellent in the adjacent lake, where grayling can be caught. A rowboat and oars are provided, although life jackets are not.

BoatingBoating is made available through the use of the rowboat provided at the cabin.

Wildlife viewingWildlife includes moose, black and brown bears, sheep, and mountain goats. "Black bears sited above tree line" and "didn't see any sheep or goat while glassing" are notes from user reviews.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & Alerts"Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers." Bear encounters, freezing weather, and the remote location require extra caution.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyNo specific fire policies provided. Visitors are reminded to "Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests" by not moving firewood.

Emergency ServicesContact Seward Ranger District (907-288-3178). No direct emergency service information for hospitals or ranger stations provided.

Trash & RecyclingAll garbage and food must be packed out by the visitors. No trash or recycling services are provided on-site.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the western shore of Upper Paradise Lake with a rowboat for exploring the lake.

Weather at Upper Paradise Lake Cabin

Reviews

0.0

3 reviews

Limited Reviews

Upper Paradise Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

Users frequently mention the cabin's remote and beautiful location, excellent fishing opportunities, and the scenic views of the surrounding wilderness. "This cabin is awesome. By far the best Forest Service public use cabin I've ever used."

Review Summaries

Based on 3 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests have noted the stunning scenery, excellent fishing for grayling, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. "Scenery is stunning looking out from the cabin and fishing right off the beach can't...

Based on 3 reviews

Common Concerns

Challenges include limited firewood availability, the need to bring extensive supplies, and adverse weather conditions affecting accessibility. "A big storm blew in, we were unable to make it to the...

Based on 3 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring firewood, as it is limited in the area, along with bedding, sleeping pads, and sufficient food supplies. Prepare for possible delays due to weather conditions.

Based on 3 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During August, visitors praised blueberry picking and fishing opportunities. Winter access is extremely limited due to frozen lakes. Summer and early fall are ideal for outdoor activities.

Based on 3 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Make sure you bring firewood. None around the cabin." "Didn't see any sheep or goat while glassing. Black bears sited above tree line." "Beautiful views, we were there moose and bear hunting. No...

Based on 3 reviews