North Wrangell Pond Shelter
00 reviewNorth Wrangell Trail, Wrangell Island
North Wrangell Pond 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
No fees are charged for campsites at this shelter.
About this campground
Tucked away in the heart of Alaska's wilderness, the North Wrangell Pond Shelter offers adventurous souls a true backcountry experience. This rustic 3-sided shelter sits at the end of a scenic 0.4-mile spur trail branching off from the North Wrangell Trail, providing just enough seclusion to make you feel like you've discovered your own private corner of the Tongass. While amenities are limited to the shelter's protective walls and roof, what it lacks in luxury it makes up for in authentic wilderness immersion—perfect for those seeking to disconnect from the modern world and reconnect with nature's raw beauty.
The North Wrangell Pond Shelter offers a highly primitive camping experience, without access to basic facilities such as potable water or a heat source. It is best suited for minimalist or experienced campers.
Historical SignificanceWhile the shelter itself may not have documented historical significance, visitors find themselves walking in the footsteps of countless adventurers who have sought solitude and challenge in Alaska's vast wilderness. The very simplicity of this backcountry shelter connects modern explorers to the timeless tradition of wilderness travel in Southeast Alaska.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the dramatic seasonal transformation of Southeast Alaska at North Wrangell Pond. Winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, creating a wonderland for snowshoeing enthusiasts and backcountry skiers who relish the challenge of breaking trail through silent forests. The shelter becomes a welcome respite from the cold, offering protection as you warm up between adventures. Summer brings gentler conditions, with mild temperatures that make hiking comfortable and allow you to fully appreciate the lush rainforest surroundings without the bite of winter's chill.
ElevationThe shelter's position within Wrangell Island's varied terrain offers hikers a chance to experience the island's diverse elevational zones. While specific elevation data isn't documented, the journey to reach the shelter provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment as you navigate the island's characteristic ups and downs.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a cathedral of ancient trees where the Tongass National Forest reveals its most intimate secrets. This temperate rainforest sanctuary envelops the shelter in a tapestry of emerald moss, towering Sitka spruce, and western hemlock that filter sunlight into ethereal beams. The profound quiet here is broken only by the whisper of wind through branches and the occasional call of forest birds. It's a place where time seems to slow, allowing visitors to truly absorb the primal beauty of one of the world's last great temperate rainforests.
Geological RegionNestled within Wrangell Island's rugged embrace, the shelter sits in the heart of the Tongass National Forest—America's largest national forest and a testament to the power of ancient geological forces. This landscape, carved by glaciers and shaped by countless millennia of tectonic activity, showcases the raw beauty of Southeast Alaska's island archipelago. The temperate rainforest ecosystem thrives in this maritime climate, where ocean meets mountain in a dramatic display of nature's artistry.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLimited accessibility; the site is reached via a 0.4-mile spur off the North Wrangell Trail, which could be challenging for those with mobility concerns.
Sites SizeThe shelter is not described in terms of size but is a 3-sided structure, suitable for basic shelter rather than full camping setups.
Sites PrivacyThe shelter is likely to offer minimal privacy, being a single structure located off a trail.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesThe shelter is backcountry and hike-in; recommended for those seeking isolation and winter recreation.
Best CampsitesNorth Wrangell Pond Shelter is the sole campsite available.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Null
Check-out
Null
Stay Limit
Null
Guests Allowed Per Site
Null
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutSingle 3-sided shelter accessible via a short spur trail.
Open and Closed SeasonNull
Reservation PlatformsNo reservation platform; camping is first-come, first-served.
Walk-in AvailabilityAll camping is walk-up; no reservations are required.
Cancellation PolicyNull
Activities you can enjoy
Activities at the North Wrangell Pond Shelter are heavily focused on winter sports, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, given the site's location and conditions.
Winter Activities
The shelter offers excellent opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing during winter months. Campers should, however, exercise caution as the boardwalks at lower elevations can become snow-covered and icy.Water Sports
Water sports are not mentioned as available at this location.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Null
- Quiet hours are Null
Hazards
General hazardsWinter conditions such as icy boardwalks may pose risks. No additional hazards are explicitly mentioned.
Active alertsNull
Weather forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 66%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 4.5 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
Emergency Services
Null
Good to know
Peak season datesNull
Trash and recyclingNo trash or recycling facilities are mentioned. Campers should plan to pack out all waste.
Proximity to water featuresThe shelter is named for its proximity to North Wrangell Pond.
Common complaintsNull
HostNull
Campground Map
North Wrangell Trail, Wrangell Island
Driving directionsOption 1 - 4.1 miles from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead via Rainbow Falls Trail to Institute Creek Trail to North Wrangell Trail. Option 2 - 2.0 miles from the North Wrangell Trailhead on the Spur Road Extension.
The trail is accessible via two routes: 4.1 miles from Rainbow Falls Trailhead or 2.0 miles from North Wrangell Trailhead. Both routes involve hiking trails, and road access is limited to trailheads.Nearby places
Wrangell (exact distance not provided).
Nearby supplies
Null
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
North Wrangell Pond Shelter has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
No user reviews are available to summarize camper experiences at North Wrangell Pond Shelter.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
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Common Concerns
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Pro Tips & Recommendations
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Seasonal Insights
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Camper Quotes
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Site-Specific Reviews
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Accessibility Features
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Pet-Friendly Features
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Last updated August 10, 2025