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Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ Cabin

U.S. Forest Service · Tongass National Forest

Fees

$125 per night

About this listing

Overview Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ translates to 'Face of the Glacier House.' It is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake, in view of the Mendenhall Glacier, about 13 miles from downtown Juneau. The site is a popular destination for viewing beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife. Hiking opportunities abound. This rustic retreat is open year-round as an overnight accommodation. The cabin is an ideal base for enjoying the serenity and beauty of Mendenhall Lake or participating in various recreational activities. The site can be accessed through the Mendenhall Campground or access trail depending on conditions. Winter weather may require a 1/2-mile trek on snowshoes or skis. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and must bring several of their own amenities. Recreation The West Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, can be hiked in 5-6 hours roundtrip. The trailhead is a half mile from the campground entrance by road or on the Aak'w Sit' Trail. The .4-mile Tolch Rock Trail is in this vicinity. The campground has several paths in it with interpretive signs relating facts about the area wildlife and environment. Winter season provides even more ways to recreate. The Mendenhall Campground is groomed when conditions allow for classic and skate skiing. Facilities Cabin is essentially drive up between May 15th to September 15th when the campground is open for campers. Three to four parking spots reserved for cabin guests located at Site 17 with a short 50-yard walk on a packed gravel path to the cabin itself. During the off-season when the campground is closed (September 15th through May 14th), the cabin site can be accessed by walking the campground road or via a groomed ski trail when conditions allow. One parking spot will be reserved for cabin users in front of Skaters Cabin for winter access. During the summer season, the entrance gate of the campground is closed nightly from 10pm to 7am with the exit gate open 24 hours a day. Water faucets, accessible vault toilets, a dump station and trash dumpster are provided nearby, inside the Mendenhall Campground, as are two accessible flush toilets and shower facilities. This 16 ft. by 20 ft. pan-abode style cabin with a loft that sleeps six to ten people with a single and two double bunks downstairs and a fully open floor upstairs. Hooks have been installed upstairs to support hammocks. Please do not install additional screws, nails, or hooks anywhere inside or outside the cabin. The cabin also has a table and benches, countertop, broom, electric cove heaters, and wood stove. The cabin site is ADA accessible, with accessible trails connecting the road, cabin, outhouse, and fire ring. Water and firewood are not provided. Water is seasonally available from spigots in the campground nearby. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply in the winter. A secure bear box is located on the porch. Minimal lighting is provided. Lighting is installed both inside and outside the cabin, including the outhouse. USB-A and USB-C charging outlets are also available. Cabin users are encouraged to bring their own additional lighting and power supply for devices. 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. The door has a keyless door lock that will lock every time the door is closed. An entry code will be provided to cabin users upon reservation. You will need to make note of the passcode! Frequently users have it on their phone only and then walk outside, shutting the door behind them while leaving their phone inside. This will put your memory to the test! Natural Features The campground is situated on the shore of Mendenhall Lake at about 100 feet elevation. Mendenhall Glacier lies to the north and the Mendenhall River flows on the east. On either side of the campground the mountains rise from 4,000 to 7,000 feet above the Mendenhall Glacier. The topography is relatively flat and open, consisting of glacial moraines, small lakes and ponds. Forbs and lichens, black cottonwood, Sitka alder, willow and mature spruce hemlock forests cover the area. The forest floor is dotted with blueberry bushes and mosses. […]

Directions

This campsite is approximately 13 miles from downtown Juneau. Access is via the Alaska Marine Highway or via Alaska Airlines. From the ferry terminal: turn right and travel 1.7 miles to DeHarts Store above Auke Bay marinas. Turn left uphill to Mendenhall Loop Road, and travel 2.5 miles to Montana Creek Road, turn left and travel .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right .3 mile to campground road and continue on campground loop to cabin. From downtown Juneau, Take Egan Drive northwest 8 miles to stoplight intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road. Turn right 2.2 miles to the intersection of Mendenhall Loop Road and Glacier Spur Road. Turn left 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. Turn right .3 mile to Skater's Cabin Road. Turn right .3 mile to campground road and continue on campground loop to site 17. Cabin is located up the short road beyond the cabin parking area in site 17. From the airport: go 0.1 mile to the junction of Yandukin Shell Simmons Drive. Turn left on Shell Simmons Drive and travel 0.3 miles to stoplight at the intersection of Old Glacier Highway. Turn left on Old Glacier Highway and travel 0.5 mile to the stoplight at the intersection of Egan Drive. Continue on Mendenhall Loop Road 2.2 miles to the intersection of Back Loop Road. Turn left on Backloop Road. Continue 1.4 miles to the intersection of Montana Creek Road. […]