Gut Island 2 Cabin

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WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK 99929, USA

Gut Island 2 Cabin

$35.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Facility rates for Gut Island 2 Cabin are $35 per night regardless of season. There are no discounts for Alaska cabin rentals with Golden Age or Golden Passports. Reservation and service fees may apply. Additional fees for changes ($10) or cancellations ($10 plus first night fee for late cancellation) can also impact costs.

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Recreation.govProvider

907-874-2323

About this campground

Perched on a weathered rock outcrop where forest meets tidewater, Gut Island 2 Cabin stands as a rugged sanctuary in the heart of the Stikine River delta. This authentic hunter-style cabin serves as your gateway to one of Alaska's most remarkable wildlife corridors, where ancient spruce and hemlock forests give way to vast tidal flats teeming with life. Whether you're tracking the great migrations of waterfowl, paddling silent channels at dawn, or simply absorbing the raw beauty of this remote wilderness, the cabin provides an intimate connection with a landscape few ever experience.

Gut Island 2 Cabin offers cabin-style accommodations for visitors seeking a remote wilderness experience. The site emphasizes self-reliance and outdoor activities such as paddling and wildlife watching.

Historical SignificanceStanding since 1967, Gut Island 2 Cabin holds the distinction of being the elder statesman of the two cabins on this remarkable site. For over half a century, this weathered structure has sheltered hunters, naturalists, and adventurers drawn to the Stikine River's legendary tideflats. These wetlands serve as a crucial refueling station on the Pacific Flyway, where millions of migratory birds pause in their epic journeys between Arctic breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. The cabin bears witness to this ancient rhythm, offering visitors a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest spectacles.

Weather and SeasonsSummer transforms this corner of Southeast Alaska into a land of endless days and gentle warmth. From May through September, temperatures hover comfortably around 61°F during the day, cooling to a crisp 48°F at night—perfect for wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk. The region's maritime climate brings frequent rain showers that nourish the verdant landscape, with precipitation averaging just over an inch weekly. During peak summer, the sun barely sleeps, rising at 3:58 AM and not setting until 9:45 PM, gifting visitors with over 17 hours of glorious daylight. Moderate winds, occasionally gusting to 19 mph, carry the scents of salt and spruce across the tideflats.

ElevationThe cabin claims its modest throne atop a low rock outcrop that rises like an island fortress above the surrounding tideflats. This gentle elevation provides the perfect vantage point—high enough to survey the sweeping wetlands and forest edges, yet intimate enough to remain connected to the pulse of life flowing through the delta below.

Natural Features and SceneryImmersed in the pristine Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, the cabin occupies a magical threshold where temperate rainforest meets tidal wetland. Towering spruce and hemlock sentinels frame your view, their moss-draped branches sheltering a diverse community of wildlife. The surrounding tideflats stretch toward distant mountains, creating an ever-changing canvas as tides ebb and flow. In May and June, these flats burst into color as wildflowers paint the landscape in vibrant hues. This remarkable ecosystem hosts an incredible cast of characters: brown and black bears patrol the forest edges, majestic moose browse the wetlands, while overhead, eagles soar alongside hawks and owls. The true stars, however, are the countless waterfowl and shorebirds that transform the flats into a living, breathing spectacle of wings and song.

Geological RegionThe Stikine-LeConte Wilderness presents a fascinating departure from Southeast Alaska's typical rainforest terrain. Here, ancient geological forces have crafted a unique landscape where low rock outcrops punctuate vast tidal flats, creating islands of solid ground in a sea of grass and sedge. The Stikine River's centuries of flow have deposited rich sediments that support lush meadows of grass and shrubs, while seasonal flooding maintains the delicate balance of this productive ecosystem. Come late spring, these flats transform into Alaska's secret garden, with wildflowers creating a tapestry of color that stretches to the horizon. This rare combination of forest, rock, and wetland creates one of the most biologically diverse regions in all of Southeast Alaska.

Campsite details

AccessibilityAccessibility features are not detailed. Given the terrain and remote conditions, access may be challenging for individuals with mobility limitations.

Sites SizeThe cabin measures 12x14 feet, offering a compact and functional living space for up to four individuals.

Sites PrivacyThe cabin is semi-secluded, surrounded by a natural spruce and hemlock forest and situated on a low rock outcrop between the tide flats and the Stikine River delta.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended CampsitesConsult tide tables before arrival and departure to ensure proper access. Bring heating oil (No. 1 oil), along with essential supplies such as sleeping bags, cookware, lanterns, and water treatment equipment.

Best CampsitesGut Island 2 Cabin is the only campsite within this campground.

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Arrival dependent on tide access conditions.

Check-out

Departure dependent on tide access conditions.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights allowed between May 1 and September 30, and 10 consecutive days allowed from October 1 to April 30.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 4 guests are allowed based on bunk bed capacity.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive are not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe cabin is described as being connected to a nearby second cabin by a trail and situated on a low rock outcrop with surrounding tide flats and forests.

Open and Closed SeasonThe cabin is open year-round, with peak season from May 1 to September 30.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov online platform and contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilityReservations are required, and walk-up availability is not indicated.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations can be made anytime before the date of arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee and forfeiture of the first night's fee for late cancellations (less than 14 days before the arrival date). Changes to reservations incur a $10 fee unless extending or shortening the stay within the original reservation dates.

Accomodation available

Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.

Amenities available

Food storage lockers

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Guests at Gut Island 2 Cabin can engage in a variety of outdoor activities that take full advantage of its unique wilderness location. Popular recreational opportunities include kayaking, canoeing, birding, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Seasonal highlights include waterfowl hunting in the fall and observing migratory bird species during spring and fall.

Boating

The waters surrounding the cabin are ideal for kayaking and canoeing, particularly during high tide. Guests must bring their own boats and flotation devices. Tide tables should be consulted to ensure safe and effective boating excursions.

Wildlife viewing

The Stikine River tide flats serve as a prime location for observing wildlife, including brown and black bears, moose, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, hawks, and owls. The area is notably a major stopover spot for migratory birds during spring and fall.

Winter Activities

Winter activities are not specified.

Water Sports

Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and canoeing are popular activities, particularly during high tide.

Campground rules

Pets are not allowed
No specific fire policies mentioned. Guests may use the oil stove provided for heating.

Hazards

General hazardsPotential hazards include bear encounters (both brown and black bears frequent the area), adverse weather conditions, and the challenging access dependent on tide levels. Guests must also be prepared to treat water from natural sources.

Active alertsNone indicated in the provided materials.

Weather forecast

°F

Aug 25

Monday

Mainly clear

Precipitation: 0%

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Humidity: 59%

Moderately humid conditions

Wind: 5.7 mph

Moderate wind, may affect light items

Mainly clear

7-Day Forecast

Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.

Daily & Hourly Insights

View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.

Temperature Trends

Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.

Precipitation Trends

Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.

Weather Summaries

Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.

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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo

Emergency Services

Wrangell, AK (12 miles away by float plane or shallow draft boat) provides access to emergency services such as hospitals and police stations.

Good to know

Peak season datesMay 1 to September 30.

Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are provided. Guests must pack out all trash and food waste to maintain the cleanliness of the wilderness area.

Proximity to water featuresThe cabin is adjacent to the Stikine River tideflats, offering opportunities for paddling and wildlife viewing during high tide.

Common complaintsNo user reviews were provided to assess common complaints.

HostNone indicated.

Campground Map

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK 99929, USA

Driving directionsThe Gut Island Cabins are located on Gut Island, adjacent to the western tip of Farm Island on the Stikine River delta in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. The cabin is 12 miles by float plane or shallow draft boat from Wrangell, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south end of Mitkof Island. Tides affect access to the cabin. Boat access generally requires a tide of 15 feet, while planes require a tide of 17 feet or higher. It is a short walk to the cabin from the anchorage point. Please consult local tide tables before arrival and departure.

Access to Gut Island 2 Cabin is challenging due to its remote location and dependence on tide levels. Boat access generally requires a tide of 15 feet, while planes require a tide of 17 feet or higher. The site is suitable for shallow draft boats or float planes, and guests must plan their arrival meticulously by consulting tide tables. A short walk is required from the anchorage point.

Nearby places

Wrangell (12 miles, accessible by float plane or shallow draft boat)

South end of Mitkof Island (7 miles, accessible by boat ramp).

Nearby supplies

Wrangell, AK (12 miles away) is the closest location for groceries, camping supplies, and other essentials.

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