If you’re looking for a cozy, accessible mountain getaway near Juneau, whether for a winter ski trip or a summer hike, the Hilda Dam Cabin at Eaglecrest is a hidden gem worth checking out.

What is Hilda Dam Cabin?

The Hilda Dam Cabin is a public-use cabin built by the Juneau Community Foundation and donated to Eaglecrest to own and operate. The cabin officially opened in late 2019, with a ribbon-cutting event during Eaglecrest’s “Discover Eaglecrest Day.”

Location & Setting

  • The cabin sits roughly one mile from the Eaglecrest parking lot, between the “Upper Nordic Loop” and “Trickster” trail — accessible via a short hike up a service road and over a small bridge.

  • From its vantage point, Hilda Dam Cabin offers beautiful views of the Fish Creek Valley and Mount Ben Stewart, whether you’re visiting in winter season or summer season.

What You’ll Find: Cabin Features & Use

  • The cabin is built to sleep 6–8 people, with common areas and a covered deck, ideal for small groups or families.

  • It serves a dual purpose:

    • Overnight rental — reservations run from 5:00PM through 10:00AM the next morning.

    • Public day use / warming shelter — during the day, the cabin is open for anyone to stop in, warm up, eat lunch, or enjoy the views.

  • The cabin is managed by Eaglecrest Ski Area and reservations are handled online. Book Here.

The Story Behind the Cabin — Community, Volunteers & History

The Hilda Dam Cabin is a true community effort. The project was initiated by the Juneau Community Foundation’s Parks, Trails & Recreation Fund, fulfilling a longtime aspiration of Eaglecrest to provide overnight shelter on the mountain.

Donations and volunteer labor from many individuals, families, and local businesses made this possible. Families like the ones honoring the late Matt Brakel, and Casey Newman & Kelly Newman contributed significantly — along with dozens of community partners.

For many in Juneau, public-use cabins like this are a cherished tradition a way to reconnect with nature, enjoy the mountain year-round, and share Alaska’s wild beauty with friends and family.

Booking & What to Know Before You Go

  • Reservations for Hilda Dam Cabin open in blocks of three months. For example: December–February, March–May, June–August, etc.

  • There is often high demand. First come, first served.

  • Overnight stays typically run from around 5:00 PM to 10:00 AM. For multi-night stays, guests may leave belongings during the day while the cabin functions as a warming shelter.

  • For day use, even without an overnight stay, the cabin is a great spot to catch your breath, eat lunch, or just enjoy the mountain views if you’re out exploring by foot, ski, or snowshoe.

  • Ready for your next adventure, Book Here.
Why Hilda Dam Cabin

Hilda Dam Cabin is more than just a shelter, it represents community spirit, accessibility, and a bridge between the town and the mountain. For Juneau locals or visitors, it offers:

  • A chance to extend your Eaglecrest visit beyond day-skiing or hiking, imagine snowshoeing or skiing during the day, then cozying up in the cabin at night.

  • A family-friendly, affordable option for a mountain overnight without needing to travel far or carry heavy back-country gear.

  • A taste of Alaska’s natural beauty, stunning valley and mountain views, forested trails nearby, and a sense of solitude just a mile from the parking lot.