Wrangell / Tongass National Forest

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.

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.

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