Take a 3-4 mile roundtrip hike to these cabins/yurts. You'll be rewarded with amazing views of mountains and rivers and inexpensive cabin or yurt rentals.
All trails start from the Eagle River Nature Center, located in the Chugach Forest. There are many different trails and loops (from less than a mile to 25 miles), so no matter your experience, there is a good trail for you. A trail map of the area is available here.
There are cabins located about 1.5 miles out, and yurts located about 2 miles out - both are highly recommended! Each site is very secluded in the middle of the woods, with absolutely beautiful scenery.
The trails to the cabins and yurts are pretty easy and flat (all three of my children, ages 6, 10, and 12, were able to hike with their packs), and there is plenty of wildlife to look for along the way. The trails can be rocky, however, and in the winter become VERY icy! Crampons are a must.
These facilities are well maintained, but bring everything you need with you, as there is no electricity or running water. Bear lockers are provided (definitely bear country!), wood for the stoves is inside, and sometimes an ax and camping chairs are available. The beds are just plywood, so bring sleeping pads.
The cabins and yurts have outhouses nearby, and the yurts are near a river for fresh water (after boiling first, of course ). Both accommodations stay very warm in the winter once you get the fire going. Enjoy the fresh mountain air, campfire and mountains, and if you're lucky, watch some moose graze from the porch!
For more information on the yurts and cabins, click here.