Frenchy Ridge Shelter

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation required and no fee. Primarily used during winter months.

About

Frenchy Ridge Shelter is a 12' x 16' three-sided Adirondack-style shelter situated on Frenchy Ridge in the Petersburg Ranger District of Tongass National Forest. The shelter sits in open, rolling muskeg hills and spruce/hemlock forest terrain, offering sweeping views of the coastal range to the east, including prominent peaks like Devil's Thumb, Kate's Needle, and Castle Mountain. The shelter is equipped with a wood stove and benches but is unfurnished otherwise. Water is available from nearby streams but must be treated before use. The site is primarily designed for winter use and serves as a destination along the Upper Twin Ski and Snowmobile Trail, located 4 miles from Twin Creek Shelter. Access involves driving south from Petersburg on Mitkof Highway for approximately 10.5 miles, then turning onto Three Lakes Loop Road and following Forest Service roads 6204 and 6208 to an undeveloped parking area. From there, a short hike through muskeg and woods leads to the shelter. In winter, the area is popular for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowboarding. The shelter operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no rental fee.

Directions

Drive south from Petersburg on Mitkof Highway for approximately 10.5 miles. Turn left onto Three Lakes Loop Road and continue for approximately 3 miles. Turn left onto Forest Service Road 6204, then left again onto Forest Service Road 6208 to reach an undeveloped parking area. The shelter is a short hike through muskeg and woods. In winter, access is via snowmobile or cross-country skiing 3.3 miles up Twin Creek Road to the trailhead, then 4 miles on Upper Twin Ski Trail to the shelter.

Nearby Campgrounds