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Alaska Department of Natural Resources

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Interior of Public-Use Cabin

Chena River State Recreation Area

Mastodon Cabin

Mastadon Cabin Exterior
Mastadon Cabin Interior

Cabin Specifications

★ Minimum Occupancy: 1 Guest
★ Maximum Occupancy: 6 Guests
★ Site Access Method: Summer- Hiking, Mountain Bike on Mastodon non-motorized Trail or by Boat on the South Fork of the Chena River. Winter- Ski, Snowshoe, Dog Sled, or (Snowmachine on Nugget Creek Trail only - See Special Notes below)
★ Stay Limit: 5 Nights
★ Check-in/out Time: 12:00pm
★ Pets Allowed: Yes, always on leash
★ Fees: (see fee page)
★ Cabin Dimensions: 14' x 14'
★ Heating Method: Wood Stove (Bring your own wood)

Amenities

★ Wood Stove
★ Table
★ Seats
★ Broom
★ Axe
★ Saw
★ Ash Scoop

Mastodon Cabin is one of seven backcountry Cabins located in the Chena River State Recreation Area. Located on a hillside above the Nugget Creek Cabin, near the South Fork of the Chena river. This cabin offers terrific views of the Chena River State Recreation Area no matter which season you visit.

The cabin is supplied with a woodstove, table, seat, broom, axe, and shovel. This cabin was constructed by dedicated volunteers and State Park staff for your use and enjoyment. Please help keep it neat and attractive for those who will use it after your visit.

Location:
The Mastodon Cabin can be accessed from the Mastodon Trail located at 38.5 mile Chena Hot Springs Road. This is a non-motorized trail which is open to hiking, biking, horseback, skiing, skijor, dog sled, and snowshoe. Follow the purple trail markers 13 miles to the cabin. This non-motorized trail climbs a little before dropping and crossing Mastodon Creek. Then it switchbacks up through a burn area and crosses from the Mastodon Creek drainage to the Nugget Creek drainage. It follows a burned-out ridge line for several miles before dropping 2.5 miles down to the public use Mastodon Cabin, sitting just above the confluence of the Nuggest Creek and South Fork of the Chena River.

GPS W146°30'48.1" , N64°50'38.4"

Special Notes:
The best access to the Mastodon Cabin in the winter is the South Fork Trail that is frequented by both snowmachines and non-motorized users. If you choose to use the Mastodon Trail, expect deep, unbroken snow and challenging backcountry conditions.

Check for Availability on Reserve America

Important Info

Once you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation e-mail from Reserve America with important information about the cabin. Print out this confirmation e-mail and bring it with you to the cabin. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within 24 hours of making the reservation, please contact the reservation call center at 1-844-351-9733 9am-5pm..

Remember that these cabins are not hotels. Always be prepared! Be sure to bring:

  • Sleeping bag and pad or air mattress
  • Food
  • Cookware, dishes, utensils
  • Cooking stove and fuel
  • Matches, lighters, paper fire starter
  • 9-volt battery for smoke detectors
  • First aid items
  • Plastic trash bags
  • Jug of water
  • Saw or ax, just in case
  • Firewood
  • Flashlight
  • Lantern and fuel

Mission Statement

"The Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation provides outdoor recreation opportunities and conserves and interprets natural, cultural, and historic resources for the use, enjoyment, and welfare of the people."

Accessibility Notice

Division of Parks & Outdoor Recreation

Atwood Building
550 West 7th Avenue
Suite 1380
Anchorage, AK 99501
DNR Public Information Center:
(907) 269-8400
DPOR Director's Office:
(907) 269-8700