Jenn came back to Alaska for a couple weeks in August/September and this was our second time up to the Raven’s Roost cabin. It was a much different experience from the first trip in April. It was great to be able to compare Spring and Fall at this location.
You can read about the first trip here. The first post also includes all of the basic information about the cabin like the price and location.
Our first time up to the Raven’s Roost cabin we got lost, experienced deep snow, and almost didn’t make it. Luckily, we ended up finding the cabin right as we were about to head down and it turned out to be an incredible trip with beautiful views.
This time up we didn’t have to worry about if we should’ve brought snowshoes, but instead if we brought enough dry clothes. Once again we left in the afternoon, although a little earlier than the first trip.
The way up
We knew we wouldn’t have to worry about finding the trail and expected it to be a much easier go. This part we were right about, but I didn’t count on being in worse shape…so I still struggled up the steep section.
It was a typical fall day in southeast Alaska. Some wind, intermittent rain, and fast moving clouds. The trail was perfect, in great shape and very easy to find with new trail and distance markers. How much rain gear to keep on was the big question.
Rain started then stopped. Downpour turned into a sprinkle, then nothing, then a sprinkle, then downpour. Even with breathable rain gear it’s a struggle to find the balance between staying dry and not overheating. It doesn’t help when you’re out of shape and working harder than you should be.
Towards the top of the hike the weather definitively worsened. A large storm was moving in, and we were hoping to make it to the cabin before it completely set in. We were protected on the way up, but as soon as we approached the top we were greeted by strong gusts of wind.
The trail took us a different way than we had found in the snow, and it was great to see the actual route. We came over the last hill and saw the cabin, a stark difference from what we saw before. Instead of a snowfield almost up to the cabin deck there was a small pond with a path around it, complete with a new bench.
Arriving at Raven’s Roost Cabin
Just as we stepped onto the porch a big wind gust hit the cabin. It seemed as we had found shelter just in time. Our hopes to recreate our first trip – sitting on the deck drinking tea – were not in the cards.
Instead we stepped inside and immediately started the heater. It wasn’t unbearably cold, but hoped it would help dry out our soaking wet clothes and gear. Getting the heater started was much easier after learning how it worked last time. There were also new instructions posted, answering all the journal entries discussing how confusing it was.
With the heater going we changed into dry clothes and hung the wet ones from the many clotheslines strung around the cabin. Consistent gusts rattled the cabin and rain beat on the metal roof. Clouds and shaking trees were all we could see, much different than the beautiful mountain sunset we caught in the spring.
The cabin was cozy and dry, we felt fortunate to have such a great shelter while the storm raged around us. We still made our tea, letting robotea steep on the table – not as picturesque. With the tea we made our dinners, heating more water to use in our freeze dried dinners.
Without a view to enjoy we sat around the cabin’s indoor table and took turns reading previous journal entries from stays at Raven’s Roost using our headlamps. I always enjoy reading these entries, it gives a great glimpse into what types of experiences can be had. A mini history of the area.
Eventually we finished our dinners and reading the entire guestbook. It was still early, but we were both tired so after some more conversation we crawled into our sleeping bags. I felt exhausted, hoping to fall asleep immediately.
Unfortunately, even though I was nodding off during dinner, I wasn’t able to fall asleep when I tried. Instead it was a long night of listening to the storm. Drifting off, living more in a state of lucid dreaming. Not quite awake, not quite asleep. At least it was comfortable.
the next day
The next morning the storm had mostly passed. Not in a way where we woke up to clear skies and stunning views, but in the way that our hike down wouldn’t be miserable. It was still grey and gloomy, but it wasn’t windy or rainy.
We weren’t in a hurry, taking our time making coffee and relaxing. Covering the usual topics like how we slept, how loud the storm was, and how wet our clothes still were. After breakfast, we started packing up.
It was an uneventful hike back to the truck. Everything was still soaked, and there were no views to stop and take in which made for a quick trip down.
conclusion
The most interesting part of this trip was just how different it looked than in the spring. You can compare the photos from this time to our first trip here.
Maybe next time we’ll go during the summer for the long days, or during the winter to try and see the northern lights. Always more possibilities!