Garnet Ledge Cabin
Tongass National Forest
Garnet Ledge Cabin provides a basecamp for boaters and paddlers exploring the Stikine River and Delta. It is also known for its location near Garnet Ledge, a garnet bedrock outcropping on private land.
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.
The 16-by-16 cabin (A-frame style) was built in 1964 and 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 (firewood not guaranteed), 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 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).
Need to Know
- 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
- Firewood is not provided at the cabin; visitors must provide their own
- 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
- Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
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.
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
Garnet Ledge is the source of the garnets sold by children in the town of Wrangell. The ledge is on private property left to the children of Wrangell, held in trust for them by the First Presbyterian Church of Wrangell. An unmaintained trail along the beach leads from the cabin to Garnet Ledge (the old boardwalk trail was destroyed by extensive blowdown in 2005). Contact the Presbyterian Church for information regarding the collecting of garnets.
This cabin is also a popular stop for paddlers on their way to Wrangell from floating the Stikine River. Paddlers can explore the area around the cabin, but should check local tide charts first. Anglers can fish for hooligan in the Stikine River in April.
Contact Information
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TONGASS/WRANGELL AK
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
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.
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