Middle Ridge Cabin
Closed — Open year-round for reservations via Recreation.gov. Road access depends on winter snow levels and typically requires snowmobile or off-road vehicle from mid-October through early June. High-clearance vehicles required when roads are clear of snow.
Regional Order No. 10-01 - Marijuana - Simple Possession
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(a), the following acts are prohibited on the Tongass and Chugach National Forests: Possessing, storing or transporting parts of a cannabis plant, whether growing or not; the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of such plant; including and not limited to proc
Regional Order No. 10-00-00-04-01 - Occupancy and Use - Alcohol
TONGASS and CHUGACH NATIONAL FORESTS Regional Office Juneau, Alaska Order No. 10-00-00-04-01REGIONAL ORDEROccupancy and Use
Regional Order No. R-10-96-01 - Forest Development Roads and Trails
R-10 SUPPLEMENT 7700-96-1 7730EFFECTIVE 5/17/96 Page 10 of 117731.14 - EXHIBIT 01ORDER NO. R-10-96-01FOREST DEVELOPMENT ROADS AND TRAILSALASKA REGION
Special Weather Statement issued February 8 at 1:57PM AKST by NWS Juneau AK
After a series of shortwaves that brought rain and gusty winds over the past few days, a stronger front will approach southeast Alaska from the west on Tuesday. South to southeast winds will increase through the day Tuesday. Confidence is increasing for windy conditions with strong gusts Tuesday night into Wednesday morning as the front pushes west to east across southeast Alaska. Gales with storm force gusts will be possible ahead and along the frontal passage, especially along north-south oriented channels and along the coastal waters. A period of moderate to heavy rainfall will be possible with the frontal passage, but with the progressive nature of the front, flooding is not expected at this time. Another gale to potentially storm force low will quickly lift northeast into the Gulf and looks to push across southeast Alaska sometime later Wednesday into Thursday, bringing another round of strong gusty winds and moderate to heavy rainfall. Further details on the high wind and flooding potential for this system will be honed in on in the coming days. Looking further ahead, a cooling trend is favored to commence in the wake of these passing systems by late work week into the weekend. Snow levels will begin to lower and a colder outflow wind pattern could set up by late weekend. This could result in a return of snow for some coastal communities, especially across northern southeast Alaska. Further details on the pattern change and snow potential will be honed as the weekend approaches.
About
Middle Ridge Cabin is a unique, wheelchair-accessible log cabin in Tongass National Forest, located approximately 20 miles from Wrangell, Alaska on the island's road system. Built in 2009 from hand-scribed spruce logs by University of Alaska Southeast-Sitka students, this 16x20-foot cabin sits at 1,500 feet elevation on a landscape of expansive muskeg and mixed evergreen forest. The cabin overlooks a small lake and is surrounded by gently sloping mountains covered in spruce, hemlock, cedar, and shore pine. The cabin accommodates up to 8 people with one double bunk, one single bunk, and a full loft. Amenities include a wood stove for heat, table with benches, counter space, and wheelchair-friendly pathways connecting to an accessible outhouse, two picnic tables, accessible tent platform, fire ring, and woodshed with provided firewood. A 175-foot gravel path leads to a wooden dock where a skiff with oars is available for exploring the lake. Summer activities include berry picking, mountain biking on the road system, swimming, fishing, boating, hunting for deer and upland birds, and wildlife viewing for brown and black bears, moose, Sitka black-tailed deer, eagles, and other birds. Winter recreation includes snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. Road access depends on snow levels, typically blocked from mid-October through early June. The steep, rough access road requires high-clearance vehicles and is not suitable for RVs or trailers. No electricity, water, or cell service available.
Directions
From Wrangell, head south on Zimovia Highway approximately 11 miles to Pat's Creek Road (Road 6259) and turn left. Follow road approximately 4 miles to junction with Road 50054 and turn right. Follow Road 50054 about 1.5 miles to junction with Road 50060 and turn sharp right. Stay on Road 50060 to the cabin near the end of the road. Road becomes steep with grades exceeding 15%, sharp switchbacks, and limited turnouts. High-clearance vehicles required; not suitable for RVs or trailers. Snow can block vehicle access from mid-October through early June.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Nemo Campsites Entry & Info Site 2.7mi
- Upper Salamander Creek Campsite 2.8mi
- Yunshookuh Loop Campsite 2.9mi
- Three Sisters Overlook Campsite 3.4mi
- Lower Salamander Creek Campground 3.1mi
- Anita Bay Overlook Campsite 4.1mi
- Turn Island Beach Campsite 5.6mi
- Shoemaker Bay Overlook Shelter Site 6.7mi
- North Wrangell High Country Shelter 7.9mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $45 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 874-2323 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Photos
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