Aspen Flats Cabin (Chugach National Forest, AK)

Aspen Flats Cabin is a rustic cabin along the Upper Russian River of south-central Alaska. The cabin has few amenities, but provides access to the great outdoors. There is great fishing in the adjacent Russian River, and hiking and biking trails abound. Wildlife viewing is good in the area as well, though visitors should watch out for bears. The site can be accessed by hiking, biking, skiing and horseback. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities. Dolly Varden and rainbow trout can be found in the Russian River. Fishing for salmon upstream of Russian River Falls is not permitted. Sockeye and coho salmon run the river from June to September. The rivers in Alaska are extremely cold, so be prepared with dry clothing. A variety of trails and unexplored areas exist near the cabin. Hikers and bikers can explore varying terrain, including muskeg, meadows and high-canopied forest along the 21-mile Russian Lakes Trail. The trail is closed year-round to motorized vehicles from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin; the remainder, between Cooper Lake Road and Upper Russian Lake Cabin, is open to motorized vehicles only from Dec. 1 to April 30. There is a high avalanche hazard on Russian Lakes Trail in winter. The 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 hand saw are available, and an outhouse is provided. There is no electricity, potable water, mattresses, bedding, cooking utensils or cut firewood at the cabin. Visitors should bring sleeping bags and pads, a cook stove, cooking gear and food. Water taken from the lakes or streams should be treated or boiled before consumption, and all garbage and food must be packed out. The cabin is south of the Sterling Highway on the Russian Lakes trail along the Russian River, between the Lower and Upper Russian Lakes. The surrounding area is flat to hilly with scattered spruce and cottonwood, and abundant mountain views. A variety of wildlife makes its home in the area, including moose, black and brown bears and wolves. Abundant berries in the area ripen in late July through September.