Mountain Bike to Serenity Falls Hut

Serenity Falls Hut is an amazing option for a quick and easy overnight trip to the mountains.  The views from the Hut are remarkable and it's a cozy yet spacious hut that encourages chilling hard.  The hut is family friendly and easy to access on mountain bikes.  To stay at the Serenity Falls hut you must first reserve your bunks with Alaska Department of Natural Resources at their public office in Anchorage.  The office building is located at 550 West 7th Avenue, Suit 1260, Anchorage.   Call ahead (907-269-8400) to make sure bunks are available and then pick up your permit in person.  This permit is also good for your parking spot at the trailhead. It is $15 a night for a single bunk, $20 for a double, or just rent the whole cabin for $165 a night.  The cabin sleeps 13 guests.  

Starting at the northwest tip of the Eklutna Lake, before the Eklutna Lake Road turns to gravel, there is a trailhead with bathrooms and parking. From the trailhead you will follow the Eklutna Lake Road on the North side of Eklutna Lake.  The biking trail stays close to the lake and remains mostly flat through the entirety of the ride. This section of the trail can be quite busy, especially during the weekends and holidays, so be prepared to see other folks and share the trail.  Wildlife is abundant and it is wise to have bear spray and know how to use it before heading out.  Once you reach the end of the lake you will bike on the gravel road for another 2.5 miles to the Serenity Falls Hut.  The Hut is just off the road and is signed well, you can't miss it.  

Remember to bring a water filtration device or way to purify your water.  There is no running water or electricity at the hut.  You need to bring everything you would on a normal camping trip, just leave the tent at home and enjoy the cozy hut with views for days. The cabin has a fire pit and picnic table outside, a wooden deck with views of the waterfall, and two eating areas inside the hut.  There is also a wood burning stove that can be used to keep the place warm at night.  Remember to bring your own wood or plan on collecting dead, down, and detached wood for the stove.  Sometimes the park rangers will pile wood outside the hut, but it is not guaranteed. The latrine is spacious and all grey water (water used to clean or cook with) should be disposed of in the latrine. Dogs are welcome to join for the bike ride but are not allowed inside the Hut, they must be staked 10 feet from the hut, all food should be stored in the hut and you are responsible for picking up all dog waste.