Barber Cabin (chugach National Forest, Ak)

About this site

Overview Barber Cabin offers a remote lodging experience on the Eastern Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. The rustic cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors and a scenic mountain lake. There is great fishing in Lower Russian Lake, and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears. The cabin can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing, horseback or floatplanes. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation Visitors enjoy boating and rainbow trout fishing on Lower Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish in the state (click here for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations). The lake freezes during winter months. A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail, toward the Upper Russian Lake Cabin. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in the winter (learn about avalanche safety). Snow can remain on the trail until early June. Hunting is popular along the trail and in the surrounding area. Facilities Visitors enjoy boating and rainbow trout fishing on Lower Russian Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish in the state (click here for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations). The lake freezes during winter months. A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail, toward the Upper Russian Lake Cabin. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in the winter (learn about avalanche safety). Snow can remain on the trail until early June. Hunting is popular along the trail and in the surrounding area. Natural Features The cabin is close to Cooper Landing off the Sterling Highway, in a fairly flat area on the east shore Lower Russian Lake. It is surrounded by a scattered spruce forest, and meadows with shrubs and brush, providing scenic mountain views. A variety of wildlife make its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. The surrounding area has a particularly high concentration of bears. For more information on access and regulations pertaining to this cabin, trail conditions, safety precautions and outdoor safety and ethics, please contact the Seward Ranger District. Additional Info: The 16x20-foot log cabin accommodates up to 6 people comfortably (maximum 8). Amenities include a table, wood stove, splitting maul, crosscut saw, outhouse, and rowboat with oars. No running water, electricity, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils, or cut firewood are provided. Access is 3.4 miles via Russian Lakes Trail from Russian River Campground trailhead, or 25 minutes by floatplane from Seward or Cooper Landing. Winter route is 4.2 miles. Maximum stay is 3 consecutive nights May 15–August 31, or 7 consecutive days within 30 days otherwise. Reservations available up to 180 days in advance via Recreation.gov. Check-in/check-out at 12 p.m. A fishing permit is required.

Amenities & access

Contact

• 907-288-3178
• https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233026

Location

60.437400, -149.986600