Laughton Glacier Cabin

4.90

9 reviews

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Scenic Views

Featured in:Mountain Camping Alaska Winter Camping Alaska Fall Camping Alaska +3 more

Quick Facts

2,133 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Juneau Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

2,133 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open May 1 to Septem...

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Juneau Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Laughton Glacier Cabin

$45.00 - $45.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The nightly rate for the cabin during peak season (May 1 – September 30) is $45. Reservation fees ($8 online, $9 via contact center, $3 in-person)...

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

4.90

Top-Rated

Based on 9 reviews

Most mentioned

locationwell-maintained

Some mention

signal

"The Laughton Glacier Cabin receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, who highlight its peaceful location, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Some users noted challenges with finding the correct type of stove oil."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Laughton Glacier Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road

Driving directionsAccess is via a 14-mile ride on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad between May 1st and September 30th to the Glacier whistle stop, followed by a 1.5-mile hike on a Forest Service trail. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance for train transportation. Rate information and reservations are available by calling the railroad at (800) 343-7373.

Access involves train transportation on the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30, followed by a 1.5-mile hike. The railroad is closed outside of these dates, limiting access to the site.

Nearby places

Juneau, AK: null miles (distance not explicitly stated in source materials)

Nearby supplies

Supplies may be available in nearby towns like Haines, AK, or at Juneau, AK. Specific supply locations not explicitly provided.

Best Time to Camp at Laughton Glacier Cabin

Summer in this corner of Alaska brings dramatic weather that can shift from brilliant sunshine to misty rain within hours, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. While the cabin welcomes visitors during the warmer months, the mountain environment demands respect and preparation. Pack layers for everything from warm afternoons to sudden snow flurries, and always check avalanche conditions before venturing into higher elevations. The unpredictable weather is part of the authentic Alaskan experience, where nature sets the agenda and rewards the prepared.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 10% in AK

Open May 1–Sep 30; peak season with best trail conditions and many positive reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.0 / 5

Open through Sep but weather turns misty and variable late season.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Opens May 1; early season weather variable though railroad resume marks season start.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Cabin closed outside May 1–Sep 30; winter access not available.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: May 1 to September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open May 1 to September 30 during train operations; closed outside these dates.
Current Alerts: No current alerts or advisories reported.

About Laughton Glacier Cabin

Nestled deep within the Tongass National Forest, Laughton Glacier Cabin offers adventurous souls a genuine Alaskan wilderness experience. This cozy 12x14 ft pan-abode style retreat serves as your basecamp for exploring one of America's last frontiers, where the journey begins with a historic train ride followed by a rewarding hike through pristine wilderness. Perfect for those seeking solitude and connection with nature, this backcountry cabin provides essential shelter while immersing you in the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska.

Laughton Glacier Cabin is a primitive and remote camping facility, accessible only by train and a 1.5-mile hike. Accommodations are limited to the cabin itself.

Historical SignificanceYour journey to Laughton Glacier Cabin follows in the footsteps of gold rush pioneers, beginning aboard the legendary White Pass and Yukon Railroad. This iron horse once carried fortune seekers to the Klondike gold fields, and today it delivers modern adventurers to the edge of wilderness. The surrounding landscape tells stories of determination and dreams, where remnants of the past blend seamlessly with the timeless beauty of the Tongass.

Weather and SeasonsSummer in this corner of Alaska brings dramatic weather that can shift from brilliant sunshine to misty rain within hours, creating an ever-changing canvas of natural beauty. While the cabin welcomes visitors during the warmer months, the mountain environment demands respect and preparation. Pack layers for everything from warm afternoons to sudden snow flurries, and always check avalanche conditions before venturing into higher elevations. The unpredictable weather is part of the authentic Alaskan experience, where nature sets the agenda and rewards the prepared.

ElevationThe trail to your wilderness home climbs steadily through the forest, gaining between 200 and 600 feet as you ascend into the heart of the mountains. Each step upward reveals new perspectives of the valley below and brings you closer to the alpine world where glaciers carved these peaks over millennia. The moderate elevation gain makes this adventure accessible to most hikers while still providing that satisfying sense of earning your mountain retreat.

Natural Features and ScenerySurrounded by towering spruce and subalpine fir forests, the cabin sits at the gateway to Laughton Glacier, where ice meets stone in a timeless dance. The melodic rush of the Skagway River provides a constant soundtrack to your stay, while summer wildflowers paint the meadows in vibrant purples, yellows, and whites. This is prime wildlife territory where moose browse in willow thickets, mountain goats navigate impossible cliffs, and both black and brown bears roam the valleys. Every window frames a postcard-worthy view of untamed Alaska.

Geological RegionPerched within the dramatic Sawtooth Mountains, this wilderness outpost showcases the powerful forces that shaped Southeast Alaska. Ancient glaciers carved deep valleys through the bedrock, leaving behind the spectacular landscape you see today. The lush temperate rainforest thrives in this unique ecosystem where maritime climate meets mountain terrain, creating a verdant paradise of moss-draped trees and crystal-clear streams. From your cabin door, witness firsthand how ice, water, and time sculpted one of North America's most stunning geological showcases.

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Stay Limit

You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Six people can occupy the cabin, which includes two single and two double bunks.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe site consists of one cabin surrounded by forest and near the Skagway River. Trails extend to Laughton Creek and Glacier.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov or by contacting the White Pass and Yukon Railroad at (800) 343-7373.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo walk-up availability is mentioned, only advance reservations are required for train transportation and cabin booking.

Cancellation PolicyRegular cancellations incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for reservations canceled less than 14 days before the arrival date. Late cancellations for one-night stays forfeit the entire amount paid. Modifications to original reservation dates outside the rolling booking window incur a $10 change fee.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is not provided for this campground.

Site SizeThe cabin is 12 ft by 14 ft and accommodates up to six people, making it suitable for small groups.

PrivacyThe cabin is isolated and surrounded by dense spruce and subalpine fir forests, offering a high level of privacy.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesCampers are advised to bring adequate stove oil (#1 diesel), water filtration equipment, and bear-proof food storage solutions. The wooden cooler box outside the cabin may not be functional.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Laughton Glacier Cabin offers a range of outdoor activities, taking advantage of its remote and picturesque location. Hiking is the most common activity, with a three-mile round-trip trail that leads to the Laughton Glacier. Other options include wildlife viewing and seasonal hunting with proper permits. As one user stated, "The glacier is nice and there is enough time to hike up to the base and stand at the bottom of the glacier, just make sure you pick a safe path and don’t stand too close or under the ice."

HikingThe trail near the cabin is well-maintained and spans three miles round-trip, featuring an elevation gain of 200-600 feet. "Trails are in amazing condition," one reviewer noted. The hike passes through lush rainforest along the Skagway River and offers scenic views of Laughton Glacier.

Wildlife viewingWildlife is abundant, including moose, brown bears, black bears, and mountain goats. "We have not met any bear near the cabin when we were there (but we met one while waiting for train pick up), but we saw a porcupine in the morning," a user described.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include bear encounters, high avalanche danger during winter, and risks from melting ice near Laughton Glacier.

Active AlertsNo current alerts or advisories reported.

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

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampers may use fire pits located near the cabin and the river; firewood availability is limited and not regularly replenished.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are Not explicitly stated.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services in Juneau, AK. Specific facilities such as hospitals or ranger stations not explicitly stated.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are required to pack out their trash. As noted in official sources, "Visitors are expected to pack out trash, empty the cabinets and clean the cabin before leaving."

Water FeaturesThe cabin is located near the Skagway River, and several small streams are accessible for water filtration.

Camp HostNo specific host information is provided for this location.

Weather at Laughton Glacier Cabin

Reviews

4.9

9 reviews

Top-Rated

Laughton Glacier Cabin is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

The Laughton Glacier Cabin receives overwhelmingly positive feedback from users, who highlight its peaceful location, cleanliness, and well-maintained facilities. Some users noted challenges with finding the correct type of stove oil.

Review Summaries

Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the cabin for its "well-maintained" condition, scenic location by the river, and the opportunity for glacier hikes. "Trails are in amazing condition," one reviewer remarked.

Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Several users mentioned confusion about the type of heating oil required, with one review stating, "We were trying to find out what is #1 stove oil (for heating) before we went but couldn’t find it...

Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing Coleman camp fuel as an alternative to #1 stove oil. A water filter is also advised to avoid carrying large amounts of water, as streams are nearby. Users also stress...

Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The cabin is most popular during the summer months when the railroad operates. Positive reviews emphasize the lush surroundings and manageable trail conditions. Winter is not an option, as the cabin...

Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

"This is probably the best place to provide information for the newcomer like we were," said one reviewer about the helpful visitor logbooks. Another noted, "The bugs don’t bite us, I guess there...

Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Specific reviews for this cabin (J01) highlight its peaceful ambiance and proximity to the river. "Cabin was so peaceful nestled beside the river," remarked one user.

Based on 9 reviews