Wrangell / Stikine-LeConte Wilderness / Tongass National Forest

Gut Island 1 Cabin

Open — Open year-round for reservations through Recreation.gov. Access is tide-dependent, requiring 15-foot tides for boats and 17-foot tides for float planes.

About

Gut Island 1 Cabin offers an exceptional wilderness experience in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, providing access to the expansive Stikine River tideflats. Built in 1982, this hunter-style cabin is the newer of two cabins on Gut Island, connected by a short trail. The cabin sits tucked into spruce and hemlock trees on a low rock outcropping between the river's tideflats and forest, offering a distinct environment from the typical Southeast Alaska rainforest setting. The 14x16 cabin accommodates up to six people with two single bunks, two double bunks, and a half-loft for storage. A small deck wraps around two sides, and amenities include a table, benches, oil stove for heat, and an outhouse. The surrounding tideflats provide excellent opportunities for kayaking and canoeing during high tide, while the area serves as a major stopover for spring and fall bird migrations. Brown and black bears, moose, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, hawks, and owls frequent the area, making it ideal for wildlife watching and waterfowl hunting in fall. Access to the cabin requires careful planning around tides. Located 12 miles from Wrangell or 7 miles from the Mitkof Island boat ramp, shallow draft boats need at least 15-foot tides while float planes require 17 feet or higher. Guests must bring their own water or treat water from the catchment system, pack in heating oil for the stove, and be prepared for extended stays in this remote wilderness location.

Directions

Located on Gut Island adjacent to the western tip of Farm Island on the Stikine River delta, 12 miles from Wrangell or 7 miles from the Mitkof Island boat ramp. Accessible by shallow draft boat or float plane only. Boat access requires 15-foot tides, float plane access requires 17-foot tides. Consult local tide tables before travel.

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