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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How far is it to the cabin?

It is about 1/2 mile from the mile 48 pullout to the cabin via the trail that starts at the north end of the pullout. Follow the brown and white signs directing you to the Manitoba Cabin. In the summer, the signs may be partially hidden by brush. In the winter, the path is usually well established by sleds and skis – but come prepared to break trail, especially after recent snow storms. Please respect our neighbors and stay on the marked trail and do not cross or enter private property.

Where is the cabin?

The Manitoba Cabin access is via the trail at the north end of the Mile 48 pullout on the Seward Highway. The cabin is just across a bridge over Canyon Creek, approximately a ½ mile from the Mile Marker 48 pull-out.

Where can I find road condition reports?

The Alaska DOT website is a great resource. More information on general road conditions between Anchorage and Manitoba and Summit Lake webcam.

Where do I park?

Parking for Manitoba Cabin is at the Mile 48 pull-out (just north of Lower Summit Lake) on the Seward Highway. Like most trailheads and pull-outs, there is a threat of break-ins. Please do not leave anything in your vehicles!

Tips on preventing vehicle break-ins.

Here is a useful video with a few helpful hints.

What do I need to bring?

Please read through the rest of the FAQ’s, but food, weather appropriate clothing, sleeping bags, personal items, headlamps and light sources are good things to have with you.

What should I not bring?

Please do not bring disposable plates, cups and silverware, single use water jugs, candles or bad attitudes.

What is in the kitchen?

Both the Main Cabin and Silvertip Yurt have kitchens with plates, cups, bowls, utensils, pots, and pans.

Do people bring their own water when staying at Manitoba?

Yes, some people do bring in their own water when staying at Manitoba. Others use the provided buckets for hauling water from Canyon Creek or large pots to melt snow. All collected water must be boiled, filtered or treated before drinking. Please do not leave empty water jugs at Manitoba when leaving.

What amenities do the Yurts have?

Toba’s and Spirit Walker are both sixteen-foot yurts, with four single bunks and two double bunks, with enough space to sleep eight guests. Bunks are outfitted with mattresses, drawers for under bed storage, and hooks for hanging wet gear. Both have a wood stove for heat. Shared kitchen and community space is located in the Main Cabin.

What amenities do the Hut Keepers Quarters have?

This rental features a private room with one double-sized bed with a sleeping pad. This private room for two is attached to the main cabin but is set apart by a breezeway. This room is connected to the shared kitchen and community spaces of the Main Cabin.

What amenities does Silvertip Yurt have?

The Silvertip Yurt is a two-story yurt equipped with a CampChef propane stovetop, a standalone sink for washing up, a wood stove, and a bear bin. There are 5 bunks, two of which are built up to sleep two people (cozily), so you could stretch the capacity to 7 people, but we recommend 6 people maximum.

Do I need to bring firewood?

If you plan on having a bonfire, please bring your own wood. Alaska Huts provides firewood only to heat the yurts, the cabin, and the sauna.

What time is check-in and check-out?

Check-in and check-out are at noon. Please be mindful of the parties’ reservations. Manitoba is a shared cabin facility, meaning the kitchen, sauna, and fire pit area are shared with multiple parties. We ask that you respect quiet time from 10 pm-7 am when sharing the space.

When do bookings open?

Booking availability opens on the first Monday of each month, 6 months in advance. For example, January availability is open to book on the first Monday in July. Trekker or higher members receive a special link to reserve 9 months in advance.

How do I become a member?

You can purchase a membership at any time right here on our website! Members receive benefits at different levels, detailed on our membership donation page. Our membership year runs from September 1st – August 31st.

What hiking is there in the area?

There is hiking everywhere! Check out the Manitoba Hiking Guide for some selected local hikes. The Mile 48 pullout is also only a few minutes on the highway from the Summit Creek Trail, Devils Pass Trail, and Johnson Pass Trail. Please respect our neighbors and stay on the marked trails and do not cross or enter private property.

How long does it take to drive to Manitoba from Anchorage?

Manitoba is roughly 80 miles from Anchorage and usually takes approximately 90 minutes. Highway conditions can greatly affect drive times, especially in the late fall or winter.

Cancellation Policy

Reservations cancelled more than 30 days prior to arrival:
May be transferred at no charge, either to another date or another person,
OR may be refunded.

Reservations cancelled less than 30 days prior to arrival:
Are not eligible for a refund or transfer to another date.
You may transfer the reservation to another person.

24-hour “Mistakes” Clause:
If you made a mistake in creating your reservation and wish to make changes within 24 hours of creating the reservation, please contact us by responding to this email.

How can I volunteer?

Get in touch with us! We have two big volunteer events every year: Spring and Fall Woodstock, where we have a party and haul the year’s supply of firewood. We are also looking for volunteers to help during the winter months to make regular checks on Manitoba. Email [email protected] to learn more!

Where can I find snow condition reports?

The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center is a great resource and has information on the Summit Lake area Summit Lake Area (where Manitoba is located).

Fun Fact:

Alaska Huts is a non-profit organization. All of the income generated from your reservation goes back into the organization to pay staff, arrange events, subsidize stays for local education groups and nonprofits, and fundraise for more public-use huts in South Central Alaska. Thank you for supporting us!

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a man riding a bike down a dirt path in a forest

 

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