Shoemaker Bay Overlook Shelter Site
Open — Open year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations or fees required. Accessed only by hiking trail.
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
The Shoemaker Bay Overlook Shelter on Wrangell Island sits at the end of the Institute Creek Trail, part of the North Wrangell trail system in Tongass National Forest. This backcountry three-sided shelter offers excellent views of Zimovia Strait, Shoemaker Bay, and the surrounding islands from its elevated overlook position. The site can be reached via two routes: a 3.5-mile hike from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead via Rainbow Falls Trail to Institute Creek Trail, or a 5.2-mile trek from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension via the North Wrangell Trail to Institute Creek Trail. This primitive shelter site provides basic amenities including an outhouse and the shelter structure itself. There is no potable water available, so campers must bring adequate drinking water or treat water from natural sources. The site receives moderate use and operates on a first-come, first-served basis with no reservation system or fees. The location is popular with hikers seeking a backcountry camping experience and is also used for winter recreation including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Firewood may occasionally be available at the shelter, but visitors should not rely on this and should be prepared for typical Southeast Alaska weather conditions.
Directions
Access via two hiking routes: Option 1 - 3.5 miles from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead via Rainbow Falls Trail to Institute Creek Trail. Option 2 - 5.2 miles from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension via the North Wrangell Trail to Institute Creek Trail. Shelter is at the end of the Institute Creek Trail.
Nearby Campgrounds
- North Wrangell High Country Shelter 1.3mi
- North Wrangell Pond Shelter 1.8mi
- Middle Ridge Cabin 6.7mi
- Nemo Campsites Entry & Info Site 7.9mi
- Yunshookuh Loop Campsite 8.1mi
- Three Sisters Overlook Campsite 8.8mi
- Anita Bay Overlook Campsite 9.6mi
- Lower Salamander Creek Campground 7.1mi
- Upper Salamander Creek Campsite 8.9mi
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 | $0 |
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 |
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