Harding River Cabin
00 reviewWRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK 99929, USA
Harding River 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
The nightly rate for cabin reservations is $35. Reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance. Discounts are not available for Alaska cabin rentals with Golden Age and Golden Passports. Change fees of $10 apply for modifications to start/end dates after the first change; cancellations will incur a $10 fee and late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) forfeit the first night's fee.
About this campground
Deep in the heart of Alaska's Tongass National Forest, where the Harding River meets the pristine waters of Bradfield Canal, stands a rustic hunter-style cabin that has welcomed adventurers since 1978. This remote sanctuary, accessible only by the splash of floatplane pontoons or the gentle wake of a boat, offers an authentic Alaskan wilderness experience. With room for six guests, the cabin provides a cozy basecamp complete with sturdy bunks, a warming oil stove, secure food storage, and an outhouse—everything you need for pursuing world-class fishing, crabbing expeditions, and unforgettable wildlife encounters in one of America's last great frontiers.
Harding River Cabin provides a hunter-style primitive camping experience within a remote rainforest setting. It is suitable for small groups or families seeking a rustic and isolated outdoor adventure.
Historical SignificanceSince its construction in 1978, this humble cabin has stood as a testament to the Forest Service's vision of making Alaska's most remote treasures accessible to those willing to venture beyond the beaten path. It represents an era when recreational infrastructure was thoughtfully woven into the wilderness, creating gateways for generations of adventurers to experience the raw beauty of the Tongass while treading lightly on the land.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this corner of the Tongass into a crystalline wonderland, where heavy snowfall blankets the forest and moderate winds whisper through the towering conifers. Those seeking the most comfortable conditions will find their sweet spot during the summer months, when gentler temperatures invite exploration and the rain-washed forest comes alive with activity. The region's dramatic seasonal shifts mean visitors should come prepared for nature's full spectrum—from winter's icy embrace to summer's verdant abundance.
ElevationThe cabin rests on a gentle stretch of relatively flat terrain, offering stable footing and easy access to both the river and surrounding forest. This thoughtful positioning provides comfort and convenience while maintaining intimate connections with the waterways and wilderness that define this remarkable location.
Natural Features and SceneryFrom your doorstep, gaze across the shimmering waters where the Harding River joins Bradfield Canal, framed by an emerald tapestry of ancient rainforest. Towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock create a living cathedral, punctuated by stately cedars and mysterious muskeg meadows. This is nature's theater at its finest—brown and black bears patrol the shoreline, harbor seals surface in the quiet coves, and bald eagles rule the skies above. During certain seasons, lucky visitors might even witness the majestic passage of gray whales through nearby waters, adding an extraordinary chapter to their wilderness story.
Geological RegionNestled on a strategic flat bench where river meets canal, the cabin occupies prime real estate within the vast Tongass National Forest ecosystem. The surrounding landscape tells the story of millennia—ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock dominate the canopy, while scattered cedar groves and spongy muskeg bogs create a complex mosaic of habitats. This positioning offers both shelter from the elements and front-row seats to the daily dramas of one of the world's largest temperate rainforests.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility features are not explicitly mentioned in the authoritative or user reviews.
Sites SizeThe cabin itself is 14-by-16 feet in size, providing enough space for six guests.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy is high due to the remote location of the cabin, nestled within Tongass National Forest. The surrounding rainforest ensures isolation from other visitors.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGuests are encouraged to book reservations in advance and prepare adequately for remote conditions, including safety equipment and sufficient supplies.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
No specific check-in time provided.
Check-out
No specific check-out time provided.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights per party from May 1 to September 30, and 10 consecutive nights from October 1 to April 30.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin can accommodate up to six people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe cabin is hunter-style with basic amenities, including bunks, an oil stove, an outhouse, and a partially covered porch.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round. Peak season: May 1 to September 30. Non-peak season: October 1 to December 31.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilityCabin reservations can be made the day of arrival or up to 180 days in advance. No explicit mention of walk-up availability but reservations likely required due to remoteness.
Cancellation PolicyReservations must be canceled before the scheduled arrival date. A $10 fee applies, and late cancellations within 14 days of arrival forfeit the first night's fee. No-show reservations are charged a $20 fee and forfeit the first night's fee.
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
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Harding River Cabin offers a range of outdoor activities and opportunities for nature exploration. These include fishing in the Harding River and Bradfield Canal, crabbing, wildlife viewing, and boating. Seasonal fishing opportunities are particularly rich, with various species available depending on the time of year.
Fishing
Fishing opportunities are abundant. Anglers can target cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden from May through September, steelhead in April and May, and silver and chum salmon in August and September. The Bradfield Canal also offers excellent crabbing opportunities. Tide charts should be consulted to plan excursions effectively.Boating
Boating access is available but requires careful planning due to the sloping beach near the cabin. It is recommended to anchor boats in deeper water and use small skiffs or punts to reach the cabin.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife viewing is a highlight, with frequent sightings of brown and black bears, bald eagles, and harbor seals. Occasionally, visitors may spot gray whales in nearby waters and migratory waterfowl during spring and fall.Winter Activities
Winter recreational activities are not specifically mentioned in the authoritative sources.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not explicitly indicated, although boating and fishing are supported.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Guests must bring their own matches and fire extinguishers. Specific fire policies regarding campfires are not mentioned.
- Quiet hours are No specific quiet hours mentioned.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include encounters with brown and black bears, poor weather conditions delaying departures, and high levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) in the area.
Active alertsThe presence of invasive European Green Crabs in nearby waters is a concern and should be reported to authorities.
Weather forecast
74
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 62%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 5.6 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
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Wrangell Ranger District provides some oversight, but emergency services are located in Wrangell approximately 31 miles by air or 40 miles by boat.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 through September 30
Trash and recyclingGuests are required to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving. There are no established trash or recycling facilities on-site.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly overlooks Harding River and Bradfield Canal, providing access to fishing and crabbing opportunities.
Common complaintsNo user reviews to provide complaints. The remote nature may pose logistical challenges.
HostNo information mentioned about an on-site host.
Campground Map
WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT, PO BOX 51, WRANGELL, AK 99929, USA
Driving directionsLocated southeast of Wrangell on the mainland at the mouth of the Harding River, which is on the north side of the Bradfield Canal. Distance is 31 miles by air, 40 miles by boat from Wrangell. The beach near the cabin slopes gradually and does not provide for easy boat anchorage. Anchoring the boat in deeper water is recommended, and using a skiff or punt between the boat and shore.
Access is challenging due to the remote location. The cabin can only be reached by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. The beach near the cabin slopes gradually, making boat anchorage difficult. Boats and planes must anchor in deeper water, and small skiffs or punts are required to reach the cabin.Nearby places
Wrangell (31 miles by air, 40 miles by boat)
Nearby supplies
Wrangell is the closest location for supplies, approximately 31 miles by air or 40 miles by boat.
Camper Reviews
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0 reviews
Harding River Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
No complaints have been documented in user reviews.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
No user-provided tips or recommendations are available.
Seasonal Insights
No seasonal trends are available from user reviews.
Site-Specific Reviews
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Last updated August 10, 2025