Little Dry Island Cabin

LITTLE DRY ISLAND CABIN

Part of Tongass National Forest

Overview

Little Dry Island Cabin offers a secluded retreat on the Stikine River Delta in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, with expansive views of the surrounding grassflats. The cabin is popular for bird watching, waterfowl hunting and as a paddling destination. The site can be accessed by float plane or shallow draft boat, depending on conditions. Little Dry Island is 12 miles by air or boat from Wrangell, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south side of Mitkof Island. Access to the cabin requires at least a 15-foot tide for boats and a 17-foot tide for float planes. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Facilities

The 16-by-16 cabin ( modified A-frame style ) was built in 1980 and has two single bunks (one with a trundle bed) and a second-floor loft, to sleep up to seven people. It also has a table with benches, a wood stove, broom and an outhouse. A wooden cooler box for food storage is attached to the cabin. Water and electricity are not provided. Water may be available from a rain catchment barrel, 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 provide their own firewood, 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).

Natural Features

The cabin is perched on a low rock outcrop between tide flats and a forest of spruce and hemlock. The surrounding terrain is relatively flat with grass and shrubs growing on the tide flats. Wildflowers are prominent in May and June. Brown and black bears, bald eagles, owls, hawks and moose inhabit the area ( bear safety information ). The Stikine River tidal flats are a major stopover spot for waterfowl and shorebirds during spring and fall migrations.

Recreation

The waters around the cabin are ideal for exploring by kayak or canoe during high tide. The Forest Service does not provide boats, and guests must also bring their own flotation devices. Tide tables should be consulted before any boating excursion.

Waterfowl hunting is possible in the fall with proper permits.

Important Notices

  • 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 be prepared to treat water from natural sources
  • Firewood is not provided at the cabin; visitors must provide their own
  • Please pack out all trash and food
  • This cabin is in a designated wilderness area; access by helicopter is illegal
  • Click here for more information about Tongass National Forest
  • The invasive European Green Crab (EGC) has been found in southern Southeast Alaska and is suspected to be in more locations on the Tongass National Forest. Please actively look for and report EGC to help map the distribution and contribute to management.

Available Activities

  • Wildlife Viewing - Wildlife Viewing
  • Hunting - Hunting
  • Camping - Camping
  • Boating - Boating
  • Birding - Birding
  • Paddling - Paddling

Directions

This cabin is located on the south side of Little Dry Island, on the Stikine River delta, within the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. It is 12 miles by air or boat from Wrangell, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south side of Mitkof Island. Access to the cabin generally requires a 15-foot tide for a shallow draft boat or a 17-foot tide for a float plane, plus a short walk to the cabin. Tides affect access to this cabin. Please consult local tide tables .

Contact Information

Phone: 907-874-2323

WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT
PO BOX 51
WRANGELL, AK 99929

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