Facility Details - GARNET LEDGE CABIN, AK

Overview

Garnet Ledge Cabin was built in 1964 within the Tongass National Forest. It is open year-round for relaxation, sightseeing and recreation in Alaska's beautiful Inside Passage.

The site can be accessed by a shallow draft boat or a float plane, depending on conditions. Boats need a tide of at least 15 feet and float planes require at least 18 feet in order to access the cabin. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Natural Features:

The cabin sits on flat land overlooking the Stikine River delta and tidal flats with a backdrop of moderately steep mountains. The surrounding rainforest is primarily Sitka spruce and western hemlock. The special attraction of this site is Garnet Ledge, a garnet bedrock outcropping located near the cabin.

Brown and black bears, bald eagles, sea lions, harbor seals, gulls and moose inhabit the area (bear safety information). Alaska's second largest concentration of bald eagles occurs during the April hooligan (eulachon) run at the mouth of the Stikine River.

Recreation:

An unmaintained trail leads from the cabin to Garnet Ledge, which sits on private property owned by the Presbyterian Church of Wrangell. Contact the Presbyterian Church for information regarding the collecting of garnets at the Garnet Ledge.

Anglers can fish for hooligan in the Stikine River in April. Guests can bring their own kayaks and flotation devices to explore the surrounding area, but should check local tide charts first, to navigate through the water.

Facilities:

The 16-by-16 cabin (A-frame style) can sleep up to seven people. It has two single bunks (one with a trundle bed) and a second-floor loft. The cabin also has a table with benches, a wood stove, a woodshed with firewood, splitting maul, broom and an outhouse. The partially covered front porch has a bear-proof food storage locker available for use.

Water and electricity are not provided. Water is available from a stream behind the cabin, but guests should be sure to treat water before drinking or cooking with it (water safety tips). It is recommended that guests bring their own water supply.

In addition to bringing a cook stove, guests should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and matches, among other necessities. Guests are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving (click here for more cabin details).

Activities and Amenities

Within Facility
Birding Broom & Dust Pan Bunkbed(s) Cabin Rentals Canoeing Creek Access Firewood Fishing Food Storage Locker	Geological Attractions Hiking Kayaking Outhouse River Access Table & Chairs Trails Wildlife Viewing Wood Stove

Know Before You Go

This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
Water is not available at the cabin; guests must bring their own water supply or treat water from natural sources
Cell phone service is not available at the cabin
Please pack out all trash and food
Use of this cabin by a commercial operator, such as an outfitter or guide, is not allowed
For more information on garnets, write to: Presbyterian Church, 220 Church Street, Wrangell, AK 99929 or call (907) 874-3534
Others may visit the site, particularly during summer months near high-tide
High levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) have been reported in this area
Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest

Getting There:

GPS Info. (Latitude, Longitude):
56.57806, -132.36583
56°34'41"N, 132°21'57"W

This cabin is located on the mainland at the mouth of the Stikine River, south of Point Rothsay, and near the Garnet Ledge. It is 8 miles from Wrangell, and a 15-foot tide is generally required for shallow draft boat access, or an 18-foot tide for a float plane to land.