Windfall Lake Cabin
Windfall Lake Cabin, built in 1998, is one of the most popular cabins on the Tongass National Forest. This rustic retreat is open year-round and is open as an overnight accommodation and a warming hut for winter recreationists. The cabin is an ideal base for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Windfall Lake or participating in various recreational activities. The site can be accessed by the Windfall Lake Trail, Montana Creek Trail or floatplane, depending on conditions. Winter weather may require a 3-mile trek on snowshoes or skis. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Check availability on Recreation.gov ↗
Site mix
| Cabins | 1 |
Site guide
1 site. Tap a filter to narrow the list; the map follows.
| Site | Shade | People / vehicles | Fires |
|---|---|---|---|
| J15 | Partial | 6 / – | Yes |
Per-site records as published by the managing agency on Recreation.gov. Blank cells mean the agency listed nothing for that site. Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Amenities & rules
| Campfires | Allowed, subject to restrictions |
| Fees | 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. |
This 14 ft. by 16 ft. pan-abode style cabin sleeps six people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, propane furnace, wood stove, axe and splitting maul. Propane is provided for the furnace. The cabin is accessible, with an elevated boardwalk connecting the dock, cabin and outhouse. A picnic table sits on the front deck and a campfire ring is outside as well. Water, firewood and electricity are not provided. Water is available from Windfall Lake, but visitors must treat water before drinking or cooking with it. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Visitors must provide their own sleeping bags, sleeping pads, food, a cooking stove, cookware, plates, utensils, lanterns or flashlights, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. They are expected to pack out trash, empty the cabinets and clean the cabin before leaving.
Individual sites vary. Confirm on Recreation.gov or with the managing office.
Weather by month
Getting there
Access is by hiking trail or floatplane. Take Glacier Highway north of Juneau to 26.6 miles, the parking area is on the right just past Herbert River Road before the Herbert River Bridge. A 1 mile hike on Herbert River Road leads you to the trailhead on the bank of Herbert River. The road is closed to vehicle traffic.
| Nearest town | Juneau, Alaska |
| Coordinates | 58.5092° N, 134.7228° W · Directions ↗ |
Explore
Worth a stop
- 8.1 miLena Beach Picnic Area ↗Day use
Trails nearby
- 0.1 miWindfall Lake Trail3.2 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 0.4 miMontana Creek Sno-Trail1.2 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 0.4 miWindfall Lake Spur0.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike
- 1.4 miSpaulding Connection Trail1.5 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
- 1.4 miSpaulding Connection Sno-Trail1.5 mi trail · snowmobile, snowshoe, ski
- 1.5 miMontana Creek Trail ↗7 mi trail · hiking, horse, bike, motorcycle and 2 more
Trailheads within three miles
- 2 mi25 Mile Road Trailhead ↗Tongass National Forest
- 2.7 miWindfall Lake Trailhead ↗Tongass National Forest
- 2.8 miHerbert Glacier Trailhead ↗Tongass National Forest
- 2.8 miWindfall Lake Trailhead (winter) Trailhead ↗Tongass National Forest
Trail and trailhead records are the Forest Service's. Distances are straight-line to the nearer trail end. Trail conditions are not tracked here.
Other campgrounds nearby
Cabin and lookout rentals nearby
On the National Register nearby
- Ernest Gruening CabinBuilding · Juneau · 2.6 mi
- Sentinel Island Light StationHistoric district · Juneau · 7.6 mi
- Rudy-Kodzoff HouseBuilding · Juneau · 10.6 mi
Natural features
The cabin sits on the eastern end of Windfall Lake, just off the shore. The front deck overlooks the crystal-clear water and offers views of the surrounding mountains and dense evergreen forest. Bears are frequent visitors to the area, and visitors may see beavers and a variety of waterfowl on the lake. Berries grow in the area, and are available for picking in the summer.
Recreation
The partially planked trail leading to the cabin has an elevation gain of 100 feet, appealing to hikers, snowshoers and skiers of all levels. Cross-country skiing is good in winter on an undeveloped trail route to Spaulding Meadows (map and compass are recommended). Visitors can use canoes to explore Windfall Lake, and must bring their own flotation devices. Salmon and trout fishing in Windfall Creek and Windfall Lake is possible with a state fishing license.
Guidebooks for Alaska
We earn a small commission if you buy through these links. It does not change what we list.
Titles come from Open Library's catalog, matched by subject heading or by title.
Reference
Questions people ask
Do I need a reservation at Windfall Lake Cabin?
Sites at Windfall Lake Cabin are reservable on Recreation.gov. Any walk-up sites are listed on the booking page.
Source: Recreation.gov
How much does it cost to camp at Windfall Lake Cabin?
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.
Source: Recreation.gov
What time is check-in at Windfall Lake Cabin?
Check-in 12:00 PM, checkout 12:00 PM.
Source: Recreation.gov
How many sites does Windfall Lake Cabin have?
1 site, including 1 cabin.
Source: Recreation.gov
Can I have a campfire at Windfall Lake Cabin?
Fires are allowed in the provided rings under normal conditions.
Source: Recreation.gov
What is there to do at Windfall Lake Cabin?
The partially planked trail leading to the cabin has an elevation gain of 100 feet, appealing to hikers, snowshoers and skiers of all levels. The Recreation section on this page has the rest.
Source: Recreation
What is the nearest town to Windfall Lake Cabin?
Juneau, Alaska.
Source: Getting there
What if Windfall Lake Cabin is full?
The nearest public campgrounds are Mendenhall Campground (8.8 mi), Auk Village Campground (9.2 mi), and Bartlett Cove Campground (42.5 mi, first-come).
Source: Campgrounds nearby