John Muir Cabin

Star4.72
25 reviews
Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
Scenic Views

Quick Facts

1,550 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Juneau Ranger District site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
John Muir Cabin
$75.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
The nightly fee for the cabin is $75. This does not include discounts, taxes, or incremental charges.
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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What Campers Say

4.72

Top-Rated

Based on 25 reviews

Most mentioned

viewsquietpeacefulspacious

Some mention

bugs

"User reviews for the John Muir Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers praising the warmth, cleanliness, and scenic location of the cabin. Some common themes include the quality of the propane furnace, incredible views, and the well-maintained trail leading to the cabin."

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Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

John Muir Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Driving directionsThe 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.
Access is primarily via hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing, with a 3.5-mile trail involving a 1,500-foot elevation gain. The trail is partially planked but can be slippery and steep in places. Helicopter access is also possible.
Nearby places
Juneau (13 miles northwest), travel time depends on hiking conditions.
Nearby supplies
Supplies for camping, food, and fuel can be procured in the city of Juneau, which is 13 miles away from the trailhead.

Best Time to Camp at John Muir Cabin

Each season transforms your cabin experience into a distinct adventure. Winter cloaks the approach in pristine snow, turning your journey into a peaceful ski or snowshoe expedition through a crystalline wonderland. As summer arrives, the trails clear to reveal vibrant hiking paths, though the meadow awakens with its own buzzing ecosystem—a reminder that you're sharing this alpine paradise with its smallest inhabitants. Pack accordingly, as mountain weather can shift from sunshine to storms with little warning.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer reviews praise wildflower meadows and views; caveat: bugs in the meadow reported.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers scenic transitions but reviews caution about slippery trails and variable weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5
Top 8% in AK

Spring wildflowers and transforming landscape noted; melt and muddy/icy approaches possible.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 8% in AK

Accessible by ski/snowshoe; reviews note pristine snow and need for crampons/ice prep; cabin furnace effective.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1 to December 31 annually.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; reservations can be made starting June 20, 2025, for the period ending December 19, 2025.

About John Muir Cabin

Perched high above the Mendenhall Valley, the John Muir Cabin beckons adventurers seeking a true wilderness escape. This charming 15'x12' chalet-style log cabin, crafted in 1980 to honor the legendary naturalist's exploration of the Gastineau Channel region, serves as your gateway to Alaska's raw beauty. Whether you arrive on snowshoes in winter's embrace or trek through wildflower meadows in summer, this year-round retreat rewards your journey with rustic comfort and unforgettable vistas that stretch to the horizon.
The John Muir Cabin provides a unique backcountry camping experience within a rustic cabin setting. It is accessible by hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing and offers a secluded environment in a subalpine meadow.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
11:00 AM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 2 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The area around the John Muir Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, and wildlife viewing. The cabin is located along the Auk Nu Trail, which connects to Auke Mountain and provides access to Spaulding Meadows. Winter activities include excellent cross-country skiing opportunities. Visitors can enjoy observing brown and black bears, bald eagles, and other wildlife species.
HikingThe Auk Nu Trail, accessible from the cabin, offers hiking opportunities with a 1,500-foot elevation gain over 3.5 miles. The trail is partially planked, and some sections are described as slippery or blocked by fallen trees.
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to brown and black bears, porcupines, and a variety of bird species, including bald eagles. Visitors are advised to follow bear safety guidelines.
Winter Activities
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSlippery planked trails, elevation challenges, and wildlife including bears. 'Bring crampons if visiting during winter months,' noted one user review.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at John Muir Cabin

Reviews

4.7
25 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
John Muir Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for the John Muir Cabin are overwhelmingly positive, with most reviewers praising the warmth, cleanliness, and scenic location of the cabin. Some common themes include the quality of the propane furnace, incredible views, and the well-maintained trail leading to the cabin.
Review Summaries
Based on 25 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors frequently praised the warmth provided by the propane furnace, the sturdy and spacious design of the cabin, and the breathtaking views of Juneau, Auke Bay, and surrounding peaks. Many...
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Based on 25 reviews

Common Concerns

Some visitors mentioned challenges such as the need for better instructions for using the propane stove, slippery trail conditions due to rain, and the tannic water supply. One reviewer noted that...
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Based on 25 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing crampons or microspikes for winter hikes, packing tape to seal small gaps in window screens, and filling water bottles at streams along the trail instead of relying on the...
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Based on 25 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews emphasize the need for crampons and preparation for icy conditions. Summer reviews highlight the presence of bugs in the meadow and the beauty of the hike. Fall reviews caution about...
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Based on 25 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The propane stove was awesome, and the view was incredible!" - Sydney H. "The cabin was super-clean, toasty warm, and buffeted the 30 knot winds and driving rain well." - Sally S. "Amazing views and...
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Based on 25 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews specifically mention the cabin itself (J04) as a highlight of the experience. The spiral staircase and elevated second floor are noted as unique features.
Based on 25 reviews

Accessibility Features

The ramp to the vault toilet is noted as a helpful feature, but the trail's slippery conditions could pose challenges for visitors with mobility concerns.
Based on 25 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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