North Wrangell High Country Shelter
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required. Winter users should use caution as trail boardwalks at lower elevations can be snow-covered and icy.
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.
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
About
North Wrangell High Country Shelter is a remote 3-sided backcountry shelter located at the highest point along the North Wrangell Trail on Wrangell Island in the Tongass National Forest. The shelter provides a rustic overnight camping option for hikers exploring the high country of Wrangell Island, with spectacular panoramic views of the mainland and surrounding islands from its elevated position. The shelter can be reached via two routes: a 2.6-mile hike from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension with 2,000 feet of elevation gain, or a longer 3.5-mile approach from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead via the Rainbow Falls Trail and Institute Creek Trail, gaining 2,500 feet of elevation. The trail and shelter are popular for day hikes and overnight trips, and provide excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter months. An outhouse is available at the site, but campers must bring their own water as none is available. This is a first-come, first-served shelter with no fees or advance reservations required. Winter users should exercise caution as lower elevation sections of the trail feature boardwalks that can become snow-covered and icy. The shelter does not provide a heat source and is not designed as a four-season facility.
Directions
Option 1: 3.5 miles from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead via Rainbow Falls Trail to Institute Creek Trail to North Wrangell Trail for a 2,500 foot elevation gain. Option 2: 2.6 miles from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension for a 2,000 foot elevation gain.
Nearby Campgrounds
- North Wrangell Pond Shelter 0.7mi
- Shoemaker Bay Overlook Shelter Site 1.3mi
- Middle Ridge Cabin 7.9mi
- Nemo Campsites Entry & Info Site 9.1mi
- Yunshookuh Loop Campsite 9.3mi
- Three Sisters Overlook Campsite 10mi
- Garnet Ledge Cabin 9.9mi
- Lower Salamander Creek Campground 8.1mi
- Anita Bay Overlook Campsite 11mi
Amenities
| Water | No |
| Fires Allowed | — |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | No |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $0 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (907) 225-3101 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
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