Peterson Lake Cabin

3.91

28 reviews

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service, Tongass National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

800 ft

Price

$75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens US Forest Service, Tongass National Forest site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Peterson Lake Cabin

$75.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Facility rates include a nightly fee of $75 for the cabin, which is nonelectric. This rate applies year-round from January 1 to 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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What Campers Say

3.91

Mixed Reviews

Based on 28 reviews

2 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocation

"User reviews highlight the seclusion, scenic beauty, and well-maintained cabin as strengths of Peterson Lake Cabin. However, complaints frequently focus on trail conditions and the lack of certain amenities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Peterson Lake Cabin

Juneau Ranger District, 8510 Mendenhall Loop Road, JUNEAU, AK 99801, USA

Driving directionsPeterson Lake Cabin is located 15 miles northwest of Juneau, Alaska. Year-round access is by 4.5-mile trail from Mile Marker 23.5 on Glacier Highway. Cabin can be accessed by float plane depending on conditions. A marked skiing trail connects John Muir Cabin to Peterson Lake Cabin in the winter. A GPS or map and compass are recommended.

Access is challenging due to the 4.5-mile hike with an 800-foot elevation gain on the Peterson Lake Trail. Seasonal accessibility issues include snow and ice during winter requiring snowshoes and/or skis. Float planes can access the cabin depending on conditions.

Nearby places

Juneau (15 miles northwest)

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies (groceries, camping equipment, fuel) are available in Juneau, approximately 15 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Peterson Lake Cabin

Each season paints Peterson Lake in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where snowshoes and skis become your keys to exploration, with snow-laden branches and frozen lakeshores creating a hushed, magical atmosphere. As spring awakens the forest, mild temperatures return alongside the rhythmic patter of Southeast Alaska's signature rainfall. Summer brings long daylight hours perfect for wildlife watching, though savvy visitors come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in the warm, humid conditions. The ever-changing weather adds to the cabin's allure, reminding visitors they're experiencing Alaska in its raw, unfiltered state.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer offers lake beauty and wildlife but reviewers note muddy trails and access challenges.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall likely strong for fishing (coho/pink) and scenery; seasonal wildlife activity noted.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Positive spring reviews (early April); muddy conditions possible but wildlife and ice-out interest.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Top 11% in AK

Open year-round; reviewers cite snowshoe/ski use and praise cabin warmth despite icy trails.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 1 to December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round from January 1 to December 31.

About Peterson Lake Cabin

Deep in the heart of the Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake Cabin awaits those seeking true wilderness solitude. This charming 1980s pan-abode structure serves as your gateway to an authentic backcountry adventure, where the journey itself becomes part of the experience. Whether you choose to trek the scenic 4.5-mile trail through ancient forests or arrive by float plane skimming across pristine waters, you'll find a cozy retreat equipped with modern comforts including a propane furnace for chilly nights, a traditional wood stove for ambiance, comfortable bunk beds, and essential amenities. Here, disconnection from the outside world isn't just possible—it's inevitable.

Peterson Lake Cabin offers a backcountry lodging experience, catering to visitors seeking seclusion and access to the natural features of the Tongass National Forest.

Historical SignificanceEvery step along the Peterson Lake Trail follows in the footsteps of history. John Peterson, an intrepid placer gold miner from the early 1900s, once called this remote corner of Alaska home, leaving behind more than just his name. Sharp-eyed hikers can still spot remnants of his ingenious tram route—rusted cables and weathered supports that speak to the determination of Alaska's gold rush pioneers. The cabin and trail serve as living monuments to Peterson's legacy, connecting modern adventurers with the bold spirits who first explored these wild lands in search of fortune and freedom.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Peterson Lake in dramatically different hues. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland where snowshoes and skis become your keys to exploration, with snow-laden branches and frozen lakeshores creating a hushed, magical atmosphere. As spring awakens the forest, mild temperatures return alongside the rhythmic patter of Southeast Alaska's signature rainfall. Summer brings long daylight hours perfect for wildlife watching, though savvy visitors come prepared for the mosquitoes that thrive in the warm, humid conditions. The ever-changing weather adds to the cabin's allure, reminding visitors they're experiencing Alaska in its raw, unfiltered state.

ElevationThe journey to Peterson Lake Cabin is a rewarding ascent through some of Alaska's most stunning vertical landscapes. As you climb approximately 800 feet through the verdant rainforest, each switchback reveals new perspectives of the vast Tongass wilderness stretching endlessly before you. The elevation gain is gradual enough for most hikers yet sufficient to lift you above the forest floor into a realm where ancient trees tower overhead and glimpses of distant peaks inspire continued exploration. From various vantage points along the trail, the immensity of America's largest national forest unfolds in layers of green, reminding visitors why the Tongass is considered one of the world's last great temperate rainforests.

Natural Features and SceneryPeterson Lake Cabin sits at the edge of an enchanting wilderness tableau where ancient hemlock and spruce sentinels stand guard over a landscape of remarkable diversity. The cabin's namesake lake stretches nearly a mile, its surface adorned with lily pads that create a living carpet of green punctuated by delicate blooms. Beyond the water, ice-capped mountains pierce the horizon, their snow-covered peaks providing a dramatic backdrop to your wilderness retreat. The surrounding mosaic of marshes and muskeg creates ideal habitat for the area's abundant wildlife—from graceful deer picking their way through the underbrush to black bears foraging for berries, and waterfowl gliding across the lake's mirror-like surface. This is nature's theater at its finest, where each day brings new performances in an ever-changing wilderness drama.

Geological RegionNestled within the 17-million-acre Tongass National Forest, Peterson Lake Cabin occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient forces have sculpted a landscape of extraordinary complexity. The region's characteristic muskeg bogs—spongy, waterlogged terrain built up over millennia—alternate with stands of towering old-growth hemlock and spruce that have weathered centuries of storms. These botanical giants rise from a foundation shaped by glacial activity, volcanic forces, and the persistent sculpturing of water. Narrow lakes like Peterson fill depressions carved by long-vanished glaciers, while the surrounding ice-capped peaks stand as monuments to the powerful geological processes that continue to shape Southeast Alaska. The intricate network of marshes, forests, and waterways creates a living tapestry that showcases the dynamic interplay between land, water, and time in one of Earth's most pristine temperate rainforest ecosystems.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

10:00 AM

Check-out

5:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum consecutive stay: 2 nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Cabin sleeps up to 6 guests.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle cabin layout with a dock, accessible ramp, and picnic area.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made at Recreation.gov.

Walk-in AvailabilityCabin is open to the public as a warming shelter from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; full overnight reservations are required for stays beyond these hours.

Cancellation PolicyGuests may cancel reservations before the day of their check-in for a $10 cancellation fee, plus forfeiture of first-night fees for cabins if canceled within 14 days of arrival. Late cancellations are subject to additional penalties.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include a ramp to the cabin and a wider hardened path leading to the vault toilet and dock. These enhancements make it easier for individuals with mobility challenges to access essential facilities.

Site SizeThe cabin measures 12 ft. by 14 ft., providing space for two single and two double bunks.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, offering a peaceful and private retreat in the middle of a forested and marshy area.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesGuests recommend bringing snowshoes in winter and flotation devices for summer lake use. Avoid leaving valuables in vehicles at trailheads due to theft concerns.

Amenities available

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Peterson Lake Cabin provides diverse recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, skiing, and wildlife viewing. The surrounding area features a partially planked trail, waterfalls, and old-growth forests, with seasonal activities such as cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter.

HikingThe Peterson Lake Trail spans 4.5 miles, climbing 800 feet in elevation. The trail is partially planked and winds through muskeg and old-growth forest, passing by waterfalls. While it is hikeable in warmer months, conditions can be challenging in winter, requiring snowshoes or skis. Some user reviews noted poor trail maintenance and muddy conditions.

FishingFishing opportunities at Peterson Creek include steelhead, trout, coho, and pink salmon. The cabin provides a skiff with oars for accessing fishing spots on the lake, though visitors must bring their own flotation devices.

BoatingThe cabin offers a skiff with oars for boating on Peterson Lake. Visitors are required to bring their own life jackets.

Wildlife viewingVisitors frequently observe deer, black bears, and various waterfowl in the area. The surrounding marsh and old-growth forest are ideal for wildlife enthusiasts.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife safety is critical, with black bears common in the area. Trail conditions can be hazardous due to ice, snow, and poor drainage.

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 PolicyCampfires are allowed in the fire ring provided. Guests must use dead and downed wood for firewood.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are located in Juneau, AK, including hospitals and police stations.

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are expected to pack out all trash and clean the cabin before departure. The site does not provide dedicated trash or recycling facilities.

Water FeaturesPeterson Lake is adjacent to the cabin and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing.

Weather at Peterson Lake Cabin

Reviews

3.9

28 reviews

Mixed Reviews

Peterson Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the seclusion, scenic beauty, and well-maintained cabin as strengths of Peterson Lake Cabin. However, complaints frequently focus on trail conditions and the lack of certain amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 28 reviews

What Campers Love

The cabin’s cleanliness, scenic location, and functional amenities like the propane heater and skiff received high praise. Visitors also appreciated the opportunity to explore historical remnants and...

Based on 28 reviews

Common Concerns

Negative feedback centered on poor trail maintenance, muddy and icy conditions, and user negligence leaving trash and perishable food behind.

Based on 28 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Visitors recommend bringing snowshoes in winter and planning for self-sufficiency, including packing out all trash and personal items. Hikers noted the importance of using a map or GPS due to poorly...

Based on 28 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews often mention challenges with snowy and icy trail conditions but praise the cabin’s warmth and amenities. Summer visitors highlight the muddy trails and the lake’s beauty.

Based on 28 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The cabin was in good shape and clean, and the heat worked well!" - STEPHANIE H - "The trail is not marked. Could not find the path through fresh snow." - DIEGO D - "Peterson Lake is a beautiful...

Based on 28 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The cabin (J03) is consistently mentioned as being cozy and equipped with essential amenities. However, some complaints involve the trail leading to the cabin.

Based on 28 reviews

Accessibility Features

The accessible ramp and hardened trail to the vault toilet were appreciated, though no reviews explicitly discuss accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 28 reviews