Gut Island 2 Cabin
The Gut Island Cabins provide a basecamp for exploring the Stikine River tideflats. The tideflats offer a different experience from the usual rainforest setting of Southeast Alaska and provide opportunities for paddling, wildlife watching and hunting. Gut Island 2 Cabin was built in 1967 and is the oldest of two cabins on-site, which are a few hundred feet apart and connected with a trail. The cabin is 12 miles from Wrangell, Alaska, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south end of Mitkof Island. 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 17 feet in order to access the cabin. A short walk is required from the anchorage point to get to the cabin. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.
This 12-by-14 cabin (hunter-style) has two single bunks and two double bunks to sleep up to four people. It is also equipped with a table and benches, broom, oil stove for heat (No. 1 oil only) and an outhouse toilet. A wooden cooler box for food storage is attached to the cabin. Water and electricity are not provided. Water may sometimes be available from a rain catchment bucket, 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. Heating oil is not supplied by the Forest Service. In addition to bringing a supply of No. 1 stove oil, guests should pack sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, 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
- 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
- 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 Gut Island Cabins are located in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness, tucked into spruce and hemlock trees on a low rock outcrop between the Stikine River tide flats and the forest. 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 bear, moose, waterfowl, shorebirds, eagles, hawks and owls can be seen in this area ( bear safety information ). The Stikine River tideflats are a major stopover spot during spring and fall bird 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. This cabin is also in a prime location for waterfowl hunting in the fall.
Contact Information
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WRANGELL RANGER DISTRICT PO BOX 51 WRANGELL AK 99929
Phone Number
For campground inquiries, please call: 907-874-2323
Rental Options
Learn more about gear rental options for your trip
Driving Directions
The Gut Island Cabins are located on Gut Island, adjacent to the western tip of Farm Island on the Stikine River delta in the Stikine-LeConte Wilderness. The cabin is 12 miles by float plane or shallow draft boat from Wrangell, or 7 miles from the boat ramp on the south end of Mitkof Island. Tides affect access to the cabin. Boat access generally requires a tide of 15 feet, while planes require a tide of 17 feet or higher. It is a short walk to the cabin from the anchorage point. Please consult local tide tables before arrival and departure.
