Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ

Hiking opportunities abound. This rustic retreat is open year-round and is open 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 drive up between May 15th to September 15th when the campground is open for reservations. Three to four parking spots reserved for cabin guests located at Site 17. Cabin site is accessed by walking campground road from September 15th to May 15th. Groomed walk-in trail or groomed ski trail when conditions allow. One parking spot is reserved at Skater's Cabin for winter access. The entrance gate is closed nightly from 10pm to 7am and the exit gate is 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 14 ft. by 16 ft. pan-abode style cabin sleeps six to ten people with two single and two double bunks. The cabin also has a table and benches, broom, electric COVE heater, wood stove, axe and splitting maul. 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. Minimal lighting and electricity is provided. Lighting is installed inside/outside the cabin and outhouse on timed switches. USB/USB-C charging outlet provided. 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.

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. At nearly 17 million acres, the Tongass National Forest covers most of Southeast Alaska and is the largest forest in the national forest system. The Tongass surrounds the Inside Passage, the network of waterways that buffer the jagged Alaskan Coast and a cluster of coastline islands. The Tongass offers visitors a chance to view wildlife, including eagles, bears and spawning salmon. Expansive vistas, including fjords, glaciers and mountain peaks fill the area. The Tongass is part of the world's largest temperate rain forest.

Nearby Attractions

Run the rapids down the Mendenhall River, take a helicopter to the top of the glacier, bicycle or hike in the area. Outfitters offer these services. Many trails can be accessed from the Mendenhall Glacier Visitor Center area, including East Glacier Trail, with an elevation gain of 400 feet, takes 2-3 hours roundtrip. Some of the shorter trails in this area include the 1.7 mile Nugget Falls Trail, where the waterfall drops 377 feet in two tiers onto a sandbar in Mendenhall Lake, the 1.5 mile Moraine Ecology Trail, and the .7 mile Trail of Time.

Charges & Cancellations

If I book this reservation today, what are my options to change or cancel? Please remember that reservations at these facilities prevent other visitors from using these sites. Planned changes to your stay should be made as far in advance as possible. You can make changes to your reservation ahead of your arrival date in My Reservations. Changes If your new stay dates are completely different from your original stay dates, there is a $10 change fee (per reserved site). There are no additional fees for: Adding or removing nights to your stay. Balances will adjust based on your new stay's nightly rate. Cancellations You can cancel the reservation any time before the date of your scheduled arrival. You will receive a refund for your stay, minus the following fees: $10 cancellation fee Any reservation fees (only if paid when booking) Any previous change fees Late cancellation penalties may also apply: What is “Late”? A late cancellation applies starting from midnight 14 calendar days or fewer before your scheduled check-in. Late Fee In addition to the fees listed above, a late cancellation will also subtract your first night's recreation use fee from any refund owed. As of the expected check-in day, cancellations or changes to your stay are not possible through My Reservations. It is at the facility's discretion to support additional Late Cancellations, No Show, or Early Departure updates – on-site personnel may not be able to assist. These changes carry penalties and may forfeit recreation use fees. For additional details, please visit here.

Sítʼ Yá Hítʼ

Recreation

Facilities

Forecast on the ridge

Cell coverage at the marker

Notes, reports & photographs

Natural Features

Nearby Attractions

Charges & Cancellations

Nearby Campgrounds