Along a historic travel route that dates to the Gold Rush era, these four public use facilities offer people a flat walk to a secluded riverine wilderness only an hour walk from a trailhead that’s an easy drive from town. Managed by the Eagle River Nature Center, the three yurts and one cabin are perfect those who want to hike and explore the Eagle River corridor, known both for its wildlife — bald eagles, brown and black bear, moose — and stunning views of some of the craggiest peaks in the Chugach Range.
Explore The Eagle River Corridor
Each dwelling has plywood bunks, table and chairs, a bear-proof food locker, firewood provided for use in indoor heating stove, splitting maul, bucket, broom, dustpan, snow shovel, and outhouse. Paradise Haven Cabin sleeps 8. River Trail Yurt sleeps 4. Rapids Camp Yurt sleeps maximum of 6. Yukla Yurt sleeps up to 6.
Here is a PDF map showing trails and cabin locations.
Wood for campfires must be gathered in the forest, so taking a camp saw may be helpful. None of the entries are keyed but can be locked on the inside. Dogs are welcome. The trails are non-motorized — hiking, skiing, snowshoeing. No bikes. Stream and river water must be purified.
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Cabins & Yurts
1
Want to feel like you’ve ventured deep into the mountains without walking all day? The Rapids Camp Yurt grabs some of the best views in the Eagle River Valley. The yurt and its viewing deck are perched high, giving their inhabitants a feeling they are standing among the peaks around them. In summer, the sound of the river running provides a soothing white noise.
2
Difficulty: Easy
This rustic log cabin nestles into the forest about 1.5 miles up the Iditarod Trail off on a side trail. It has the feel of an old-time Alaskan trapper’s home. Although perched at the edge of hard-core wilderness — deep inside the mountains — this cabin is close to trails maintained by the Nature Center itself, giving families with small children the option of combining short hikes with education. The facilities can also be used as a ...more
3
The Yukla Yurt can be used as a first-night stop for people doing the Cross Pass Crossing to Girdwood. It’s also a great base for exploring the valley or for taking a hike on the upper half of the Dew Mound Trail. The area will be quiet: no motorized recreation allowed. This yurt is the furthest from Nature Center, with a more remote feel than Rapids Camp Yurt.
4
If you’d like to spend the night listening to the rush of a wild river, visit this snug yurt overlooking Eagle River with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Located less than two miles form the Nature Center off the Albert Loop Trail, the yurt sleeps up to four, with two on wooden bunks and two on the floor. It features a deck, two chairs and a table, plus a wood stove with firewood stacked in a shed. Eagle River is your water ...more