North Wrangell High Country Shelter
00 reviewNorth Wrangell High Country Shelter
$0.00 - $0.00 / 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
"There are no fees associated with reserving or using the North Wrangell High Country Shelter."
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About this campground
Perched at the crown of the North Wrangell Trail, this rustic 3-sided shelter serves as your gateway to Alaska's untamed wilderness. Here, where the forest meets the sky, adventurers find refuge in a simple structure that frames some of the most spectacular panoramic views in the Tongass. Whether you're seeking solitude in dispersed camping or simply pausing to catch your breath after the climb, this high-country haven rewards your efforts with sweeping vistas of emerald islands dotting the Inside Passage and the dramatic mainland peaks beyond.
North Wrangell High Country Shelter is designed for dispersed camping, particularly catering to hikers accessing the North Wrangell Trail.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms this high-altitude retreat into a crystalline wonderland, where freezing temperatures and mixed precipitation create perfect conditions for Nordic adventures. As snow blankets the surrounding peaks, the shelter becomes a coveted basecamp for snowshoers and cross-country skiers eager to explore the pristine backcountry. The ever-changing weather patterns paint the landscape in dramatic light, from misty mornings that shroud distant islands to crystal-clear afternoons when you can see for miles across the archipelago.
ElevationYour journey culminates at either 2,500 feet (Option 1) or 2,000 feet (Option 2), marking the highest accessible point along the North Wrangell Trail. This lofty perch places you above the treeline's embrace, where the air grows thin and crisp, and every breath reminds you of your elevation. The climb to reach this alpine sanctuary is part of the adventure, rewarding determined hikers with a true mountaintop experience in Southeast Alaska's vertical wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryDeep within the emerald cathedral of Tongass National Forest, this shelter stands as a window to wilderness at its most raw and beautiful. The world's largest temperate rainforest surrounds you with ancient Sitka spruce and western hemlock, their moss-draped branches creating a verdant tapestry that stretches to the horizon. From this elevated vantage point, watch as morning fog rolls through the valleys below, revealing and concealing the intricate coastline where forest meets sea. The rugged terrain tells stories of glacial carving and volcanic legacy, while panoramic views encompass a stunning archipelago that defines Southeast Alaska's legendary Inside Passage.
Geological RegionWrangell Island rises from the depths of the Inside Passage as a testament to the region's volcanic past and glacial artistry. The Tongass National Forest cloaks this rugged landmass in an ancient temperate rainforest, where centuries-old giants thrive in the misty maritime climate. This ecologically rich sanctuary challenges visitors with its remote location and exposure to the elements, yet rewards the intrepid with unparalleled biodiversity and breathtaking vistas. Here, where tectonic forces shaped the land and ice carved the valleys, you'll discover a landscape that embodies the wild heart of Southeast Alaska's island archipelago.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe site is accessible only via hiking the North Wrangell Trail. Due to the elevation gain and remote location, accessibility options for individuals with mobility limitations are likely very limited.
Sites SizeThe shelter accommodates dispersed camping without designated site sizes.
Sites PrivacyThe shelter is located at the highest point along the trail and provides natural seclusion due to its remote location.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Best Campsites"The shelter itself is the only designated camping area."
Reserving a campsite
Groups
Group camping is not specified or available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layout"The layout consists of a single 3-sided shelter located at the highest point along the North Wrangell Trail."
Amenities available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
The main recreational activities at North Wrangell High Country Shelter revolve around winter sports such as skiing/snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The remote and elevated location makes it a unique destination for these activities.
Hiking
Access to the site is via hiking the North Wrangell Trail. Option 1 involves 3.5 miles from Rainbow Falls Trailhead with a 2,500-foot elevation gain. Option 2 spans 2.6 miles from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension with a 2,000-foot elevation gain. The trail provides scenic views and a challenging experience for hikers.Winter Activities
Winter sports are a primary focus here, including skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports are not mentioned for this site.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
Hazards
General hazards"Explicit mention of hazards is not present, but the high elevation gain and remote location necessitate proper preparation and caution."
Weather forecast
62
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
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Daily & Hourly Insights
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Temperature Trends
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Precipitation Trends
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Weather Summaries
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Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Good to know
Trash and recyclingThere is no mention of trash or recycling facilities. Campers are advised to practice 'Leave No Trace' principles and pack out all trash.
Campground Map
Driving directions"Option 1: Start at the Rainbow Falls Trailhead and hike 3.5 miles through Rainbow Falls Trail, then Institute Creek Trail, leading to North Wrangell Trail. This route involves a challenging elevation gain of 2,500 feet." "Option 2: Begin at the North Wrangell Trailhead situated on Spur Road Extension. This path is 2.6 miles long with an elevation gain of 2,000 feet."
"Both routes to North Wrangell High Country Shelter require hiking. Option 1 includes a steep elevation climb of 2,500 feet, while Option 2 involves a slightly less steep ascent of 2,000 feet. Roads leading to the trailheads and Spur Road Extension are not described in detail in the source materials."Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
North Wrangell High Country Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
There are no specific user reviews provided in the source materials.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Positive aspects are not explicitly detailed in user reviews.
Common Concerns
No complaints are highlighted in the source materials.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Specific tips are not available, but hikers should prepare for an elevation gain and the lack of potable water by bringing adequate supplies.
Seasonal Insights
No detailed seasonal review trends are available, but the site's suitability for winter activities suggests it may be popular during colder months.
Camper Quotes
No direct quotes from users are provided.
Site-Specific Reviews
No reviews specific to particular campsites or areas are provided.
Accessibility Features
No reviews addressing accessibility features are available.
Pet-Friendly Features
No reviews related to pet policies are available.
Last updated August 10, 2025