Overview
Peterson Lake Cabin was built in the 1980s and named after John Peterson, who started a placer gold mine in this area in 1900. The Peterson Lake Trail that accesses
the cabin follows a former tram route for the first 2 miles, and remnants of the tram can still be seen.
The cabin is open year-round and is one of Juneau Ranger District's most popular backcountry rentals. This secluded retreat offers the chance to enjoy
beautiful scenery and a variety of recreational activities.
The site can be accessed by float plane or by hiking, snowshoeing or skiing 4.5 miles from the Peterson Lake Trailhead on Glacier Highway. The trail has an elevation
gain of 800 feet. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
Recreation
The Peterson Lake Trail is partially planked. Hikers can use this trail in warmer weather, but snowshoes and skis are ideal in winter. The trail winds through muskeg
and old-growth forest, taking hikers past waterfalls.
Cross-country skiing is good in winter, with an undeveloped trail to John Muir cabin (map and compass are recommended).
Anglers can fish for steelhead, trout, coho and pink salmon in Peterson Creek below the falls. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but they must bring their own flotation devices.
Facilities
The Peterson Lake Trail is partially planked. Hikers can use this trail in warmer weather, but snowshoes and skis are ideal in winter. The trail winds through muskeg
and old-growth forest, taking hikers past waterfalls.
Cross-country skiing is good in winter, with an undeveloped trail to John Muir cabin (map and compass are recommended).
Anglers can fish for steelhead, trout, coho and pink salmon in Peterson Creek below the falls. Visitors can use the cabin's skiff with oars, but they must bring their own flotation devices.
Natural Features
The cabin sits on relatively flat land covered in tall grass. The front deck of the cabin offers views of the lily pad-covered lake and the surrounding
forest-covered slopes.
Peterson Lake is narrow and almost a mile long. The surrounding landscape is marsh and a forest of hemlock and spruce. Distant ice-capped mountain peaks can be seen
from the lake.
Deer and black bear are common to the area ( bear safety information ). A variety of waterfowl can be seen on the lake.
Activities
- Fishing
- Wildlife Viewing
- Cross Country Skiing
- Hiking
- Camping
- Historic Sites
- Backpacking
- Skiing
Media
