USDA Forest Service · Alaska

West Swan Lake Cabin

USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States

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Sites
1
Hookups
1 no hookups
Season
Year-round
Drinking water
No
Elevation
1,414 ft
Dark sky
Bortle class 1
Cell coverage
T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
Lake
Chugach National Forest
Nearest town
SEWARD
Address
Seward Ranger District, 33599 Ranger Station Spur, SEWARD, AK, 99664
Activities
Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Snowmobiling, Wildlife Viewing

1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.

About

Overview

West Swan Lake Cabin is in a very remote area on the Kenai Peninsula of south-central Alaska. Swan Lake is just steps away from the cabin, with great fishing and boating opportunities.

There is no trail access to this cabin. Cross country travel in this area is very difficult. This cabin is reachable only by float plane during the ice free seasons, and can be reached by snowmobile, hiking or skiing when the lake is frozen and travel is safe. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Visitors enjoy boating and fishing for rainbow trout, lake trout, Dolly Varden and sockeye salmon in Swan Lake. A rowboat with oars is provided at the cabin. Fishing equipment is not provided and permits are required to fish or hunt in the state; click here for Alaska Department of Fish & Game regulations.

In season, visitors hunt for moose, black and brown bears, Dall sheep, mountain goats, caribou and wolves in the surrounding forest.

Facilities

The log cabin has bunk space for six and a maximum occupancy of eight people. It is equipped with counter space, table, benches and a wood stove for heat. A splitting maul and handsaw are available. An outhouse is also provided.

There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring water, food, sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove and cooking gear. Water taken from the lakes and streams should be treated or boiled before consumption. All garbage and food must be packed out.

Natural Features

The cabin is located north of Sterling Highway on the northwest corner of Swan Lake. It is set in an open grove of cottonwood trees, with views of nearby mountains. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area.

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.

Fees

Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance, for three consecutive days maximum per person from May 15 to Aug. 31. Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.

If you cancel a cabin reservation within 14 days of your scheduled arrival date, you will be charged the $10 service fee and forfeit the first night's recreation use fee. No-shows, early departures, or cancellations after the scheduled arrival date are not entitled to a refund. Cancellations for single night use for Alaska cabins will not be assessed a service fee.

Weather, month by month

MonthTypical highTypical lowColdest nightHottest dayYears with a night below 32°F
January27°18°-16°37°11 of 11
February28°19°-9°35°11 of 11
March28°17°-11°38°11 of 11
April36°27°-1°45°11 of 11
May44°34°26°63°8 of 11
June56°45°36°74°0 of 11
July60°49°42°80°0 of 11
August58°49°42°77°0 of 11
September52°43°33°65°0 of 11
October38°31°18°47°10 of 10
November25°17°-5°39°10 of 10
December23°14°-14°39°10 of 10

Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.

Nearby campgrounds

All public campgrounds in Alaska · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.