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Recreation Region: Eastern Kenai Peninsula

Aspen Flats Cabin

A 12 x 14-foot rustic cabin on the Russian River nestled between the Lower and Upper Russian Lakes. The surrounding area is flat to hilly with scattered spruce and cottonwood trees, and views of mountains beyond. Though a popular getaway in the summer, visitation is infrequent during the winter months. 

This cabin sleeps 6 and has a table, wood stove, splitting maul, crosscut saw, and outhouse.

Not included: running water, electricity, mattress or bedding, cooking utensils, or cut firewood.

Current Conditions
The Russian River Campground area is closed to all public use through Nov. 30, 2025. During this time, the Aspen Flats Cabin will not be accessible through the Lower Russian Lakes trailhead. However, the cabin remains open to reservations. To reach the cabin during the closure, hike the trail from Snug Harbor Road.

Reservations

Make Reservations Here

Visit recreation.gov or call 1-877-444-6777 (overseas: 518-885-3639) to check availability and make a reservation. Cabin reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance.

General Information

Aspen Flats Cabin is open for reservations year-round. Winter weather will affect the conditions of the access trail and the difficulty of the trek. 

Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, year-round. Check-in/Check-out time is 12pm.

A permit is required to fish at the Aspen Flats Cabin. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's website to review fishing regulations.

Typically, the Aspen Flats Cabin can be reached through the Lower Russian Lakes trailhead. During the Russian River Campground area closure, this access point is closed to the public. 

 

Russian Lakes Trail is closed year-round to motorized vehicles from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin. The remainder of the trail between Cooper Lake Road and Upper Russian Cabin is open to motorized vehicles from December 1- April 30 only. Russian Lakes Trail is closed to pack/saddle stock from April 1- June 30.  

Overnight Use:
Peak season (May 01 - September 30):
$60 per night
Non-peak season (October 01 - April 31):
$50 per night

Per night prices range from $50-60 depending on the season. Cabin fees are based on non-peak/peak season. Seasons vary by cabin. A non-refundable service fee will be added to each reservation by Recreation.gov

Contact Name: Seward Ranger District Office

Contact Phone: (907) 288-3178

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 60.36927892

Longitude: -149.9747539

Directions

Aspen Flats Cabin is located on the Russian Lakes Trail, 9 miles from Russian River Campground or 12 miles from Cooper Lake Road. Follow 0.3 mile cabin access trail off of main trail. (USGS maps–Seward B8 and Kenai B1). 

Distances in winter are 10 and 15 miles respectively. It can be accessed by hiking, mountain biking, horse riding or skiing.

Travel Considerations

Winter weather will affect the conditions of the access trail and the difficulty of the trek. 

Parking

Access to the cabin and parking is available from the trailhead on Snug Harbor Road.

Facility and Amenity Information

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Hunting, Fishing and Shooting Hunting, Fishing and Shooting
Outdoor Science and Learning Outdoor Science and Learning

Fishing - River/Stream Info

Visitors can fish the Russian River for rainbow trout and sockeye and coho salmon during the open seasons. Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game's website to review fishing regulations.

Salmon fish counts are monitored throughout Alaska and determine the daily limits for sport, commercial and subsistence fishing. Anyone fishing the Russian River should be aware that the limits are subject to change or restriction depending on the fish count. 

Emergency orders, often restricting the harvest of king salmon, can be issued at any time and have the same force and effect as law. Be sure to check the ADF&G's Emergency Order and Press Releases page prior to fishing.

Viewing WildlifeViewing Wildlife

Viewing Wildlife Info

Sockeye and coho salmon run in Russian River from June-September.

Last updated August 18th, 2025