People choose to stay in the recreation area's cabins for a wide variety of reasons. Some need a change of pace. Some desire a hint of excitement in their lives. For many, the best way to find both is to grab a pair of skis, harness up the sled dogs, strap on snowshoes, fire up the snowmachine, or lace up a favorite pair of hiking boots and head to one of the five public-use cabins in the Chena River State Recreation Area. The cabins are accessible from trailheads off Chena Hot Springs Road.
All trails leading to cabins are color coded and easily visible.
Because the average annual snowfall is more than 50 inches, trail markers are posted above eye level on trees. Summer trail conditions are generally swampy, but in winter the trails are usually good. People who plan to travel on the trails need basic wilderness skills, but not all the cabins are on routes that require major preparation. The North Fork cabin is one of the most popular for travelers because of its easy vehicle access. The cabin is located at mile 47.7 Chena Hot Springs Road, just past the locked gate on the west side of the road.