New Look!
New Trip Ideas!
Learn More...
[x]
Find Sites




DENVER CABOOSE CABIN, AK

part ofTongass National Forest, US Forest Service
Status: Closed through Tue Apr 30 2013   Season Dates
1 site(s) found

Overview

This unique cabin is a refurbished 1960s railroad caboose that is retired from the White Pass and Yukon Railroad. It is an ideal base for outdoor enthusiasts who want to hike, ski or snowshoe to the Denver Glacier.

Access to Denver Caboose Cabin is via the White Pass and Yukon Railroad from May 1 to September 30. The cabin is closed to reservations in the off-season, since the surrounding area is owned by the railroad. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

Denver Caboose Cabin offers excellent views of the East Fork Skagway River and the Sawtooth Mountains. It is surrounded by spruce and hemlock rainforest.

Black bears and moose are common in this area (bear safety information). Mountain goats can frequently be seen with binoculars.

Recreation:

A 4.5-mile trail to Denver Glacier starts at the cabin site. The nearby terrain is rugged and brushy, but the trail and tracks offer plenty of hiking, snowshoeing and skiing opportunities, depending on the weather.

Facilities:

The cabin sleeps six people and contains a double bunk and four single bunks. This includes a bunk in the nicknamed "observatory penthouse" that has windows on all sides and an access ladder. Other amenities include a table with benches, an oil heater (#1 stove oil), food preparation space, a campfire ring and an outhouse.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a nearby stream uphill from the cabin, but visitors should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply.

Heating oil is not provided, so visitors must supply their own. One gallon of #1 stove oil will last about a day on the lowest heat setting. Other items to bring include sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
  • Bed(s)
  • Birding
  • Cabin Rentals
  • Campfire Rings
  • Cross Country Skiing
  • Heater
  • Hiking
  • Snowshoeing
  • Table & Chairs
  • Trailheads
  • Trails
  • Vault Toilets
  • Wildlife Viewing
Know Before You Go
  • This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
  • Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
  • Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
  • Please pack out all trash and food
  • Please collect dead/down wood only for use in the fire ring
  • Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
  • Cabin cannot be reserved when railroad is not operating
  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
59.50139, -135.22639
59°30'5"N, 135°13'35"W

The cabin is approximately 5.5 miles north of Skagway along the East Fork of the Skagway River. The cabin is beside the railroad tracks at the Denver Glacier Trailhead. Access is via the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad from May 1 through September 30. Make reservations at least 24 hours in advance for train transportation. Rate information and reservations are available by calling the railroad at (800) 343-7373.

Contact Information:

Mailing Address:

DENVER CABOOSE CABIN
8510 Mendenhall Loop Road
JUNEAU AK 99801

Phone Number:

Project Office:(907)586-8800
Recreation.gov helps you discover and book trips to all of America's public places.
Learn more about us, or about any of our agency partners below:
Bureau of Land Management Federal Highway Administration National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration Smithsonian Institution USDA Forest Service US Army Corps of Engineers US Fish and Wildlife Service National Park Service Bureau of Engraving and Printing Tennessee Valley Authority Bureau of Reclamation National Archives Records Administration