Mckinley Trail Cabin Campground Chugach National Forest Alaska
Mckinley Trail Cabin Overview
McKinley Trail Cabin offers a comfortable backcountry retreat near the scenic Copper River Delta in the heart of Alaska’s Chugach National Forest. It is also just off the Copper River Highway, approximately 21 miles east of Cordova.
Built in 1918, the cabin is the last remaining structure from the historic community of Alaganik and the only intact log cabin remaining along the former Copper River and Northwestern Railway route.
McKinley Trail Cabin Amenities
The rustic log cabin accommodates up to six guests with wooden bunk beds and includes a table, benches, wood stove, oil stove, and an outdoor pit toilet. There is no electricity or running water, so visitors should arrive prepared with drinking water, firewood, food, sleeping gear, cooking equipment, and other camping essentials. Guests are expected to pack out all trash and leave the cabin clean for the next visitors.
Area Recreation & Activities
The cabin serves as an excellent base camp for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing, hunting, and exploring one of southcentral Alaska’s most beautiful landscapes. Although easily accessible by vehicle, the surrounding forests, wetlands, and rugged mountains provide visitors with an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience.
One of the cabin’s biggest attractions is its location along the McKinley Lake Trail, which winds through towering spruce and hemlock forests, muskeg meadows, and beneath steep mountain slopes. The trail leads to picturesque McKinley Lake, historic mining remnants at the Lucky Strike Mine, and connections to the Pipeline Lakes Trail. Wildlife is abundant throughout the area, with opportunities to see moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, black and brown bears, waterfowl, and migrating salmon depending on the season.
You might also like McKinley Lake Cabin.
Make a Reservation for Mckinley Trail Cabin
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Cell Service - None
- Fireplace
- Golden Age & Access Passports accepted
- Picnic Tables
Activities
- Backpacking
- Bird Watching
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Wildlife Viewing
Cordova, Alaska 99574
907 424-7661
Lat / Long:
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Campsite Types
- Backcountry
- Cabin
# of Campsites:
1
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
100
Mckinley Trail Cabin Photos
Mckinley Trail Cabin Comments & Reviews
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June 2026 – Stayed 6 nights in the McKinley Trail cabin. Great location for exploring the Copper River Delta. McKinley Trail steps from cabin. Easy 2.5 mile hike to the lake. Nearby hikes to glaciers are worth the (modest) effort. Entire length of the Copper River Highway (gravel road) was in good shape. Easy trip into town if needed. Ferry to/from Whittier was convenient. Give Jen’s Pizzaria in Cordova a try if you need a break from home cooking. Drunken Chef pizza was fun and delicious. Cabin was basic, as expected. Wood stove worked well. Make sure to bring firewood with all of your supplies. Note, the cabin door has a hasp / latch that when closed can be secured with a medium-size padlock. Have seen other reviews indicating cabin could not be secured. Enjoy!
Thanks for the review on Mckinley Trail Cabin. Sounds like a great place to spend some time in the outback of Alaska.