Viking Lodge Cabin

Viking Lodge Cabin
Viking Lodge Cabin

Location: A 1/4 mile walk from the Rock Lake Turnout, located at Mile 21.8 Nabesna Road. Refer to USGS maps: Nabesna 1:63,360 (C-5).
GPS Coordinates: 62.571003985, -143.400762089

Reservations: Required year-round and can be made six months in advance of the requested reservation dates. If you need to change your reservation dates on an existing cabin confirmation, you will need to cancel the reservation and submit a new one with the required contact information via the email address wrst_info@nps.gov


For reservations of the Viking Lodge Cabin, please email (click on 'email' to complete form)
wrst_info@nps.gov


Please provide the following REQUIRED information in the email when you request a reservation, otherwise it could delay your request:

  • Full name

  • Mailing address

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Name of cabin you would like to reserve

  • Dates of the NIGHTS you would like to stay in the cabin

Access: This cabin is accessible from the Nabesna Road. Viking lodge is located about 1/4 mile north of the Nabesna Road. The trailhead and parking area is located at mile 21.8, across from the Rock Lake Turnout. The trail is an easy 10-minute walk through a spruce forest. In the springtime months or after it's rained, the trail may be extremely muddy. ATV use is not allowed for access, but snowmachines may be used during winter.

Description: This structure was built in the early 1970s by Thor Brandt-Erickson, a homesteader of Danish descent, and named Viking Lodge. It is now owned and maintained by the National Park Service. There is no running water or plumbing. The cabin includes:

  • two twin-sized wooden bunks and a large loft area, so it can sleep up to six people (if some are willing to sleep on the floor in the the loft)
  • a table and chairs
  • a kitchen counter
  • a wood stove
  • an outside fire pit
  • a rustic pit toilet - Please bring your own toilet paper, as the toilet is not regularly stocked or maintained.

Regulations: You must bring all personal belongings that you will require, including sleeping and dining equipment. Please clean the cabin and take all food and trash with you upon departure. Burying garbage is prohibited. Dogs are allowed, but please clean up after your pet. Please do not remove or relocate any artifacts or deface cabins or historic structures. There are numerous bugs in this area. Headnets and bug spray are strongly encouraged during June, July, and August.

Water & Firewood: Visitors may gather dead and down wood for firewood. Replenish any firewood stored in the cabin for the next user. Water can usually be obtained from a stream behind the cabin, about 20 yards away. However, sometimes this stream is dry. It is recommended that you fill water jugs at the Slana Ranger Station and carry them to the cabin.

Recreational Opportunities: This cabin is located in a remote, rugged area. Make sure you're familiar with backcountry safety before venturing out to hike. There are opportunities to explore and hike the ridges behind the cabin. In winter, it is not recommended to hike off trail behind this cabin, as there may be traplines set. There are no lakes or streams next to the cabin for fishing, but Rock Lake (located near the parking area) may be suitable for fishing. If you plan to fish, a State of Alaska fishing license is required. This cabin is located in the preserve, so sport and subsistence hunting is allowed. Subsistence hunting is limited to local, rural residents. A State of Alaska hunting license is required and, if you are a subsistence hunter, a federal subsistence hunting permit may be required. Please refer to state and federal hunting regulations. This cabin is often used during hunting season so reserve as early as possible. Snowmachines are allowed on the trail, provided that at least six inches of snow covers the ground. Recreational ATV use is not allowed on the trail to the cabin.

Airstrip: none

 
Viking Lodge map

Last updated: November 14, 2022

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve
PO Box 439
Mile 106.8 Richardson Highway

Copper Center, AK 99573

Phone:

907 822-5234

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