North Wrangell Pond Shelter

Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees. Winter access available via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing.

About

North Wrangell Pond Shelter is a rustic 3-sided trail shelter situated on Wrangell Island in the Tongass National Forest. The shelter serves as a backcountry camping option for hikers exploring the North Wrangell trail system. Access to the shelter requires a 0.4-mile hike on a spur trail branching off the main North Wrangell Trail. There are two primary routes to reach the shelter: hikers can approach from Rainbow Falls Trailhead, covering approximately 4.1 miles via the Rainbow Falls Trail, Institute Creek Trail, and North Wrangell Trail; or from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension, a shorter 2.0-mile hike. The shelter can be used year-round and is accessible in winter via cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. As a primitive trail shelter, the site offers only basic protection from the elements. Campers must be self-sufficient and prepared for Southeast Alaska's wet climate. An outhouse is available at the site, but there is no potable water. The area receives light use, providing a quiet wilderness experience in the temperate rainforest environment. The shelter works well as a standalone destination or as part of a multi-day trip connecting with other shelters on the North Wrangell trail system.

Directions

Access via hiking trail only. Option 1: 4.1 miles from Rainbow Falls Trailhead via Rainbow Falls Trail to Institute Creek Trail to North Wrangell Trail, then 0.4 miles on spur trail. Option 2: 2.0 miles from North Wrangell Trailhead on Spur Road Extension, then 0.4 miles on spur trail.

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