Explore the Tongass National Forest on foot.

Hikers and campers will find plenty of choices both on Wrangell Island and in the surrounding area. For those staying close to town, the Mt. Dewey Trail is a popular half-mile hike retracing the footsteps of famous naturalist John Muir and leading to a view overlooking the town and oceanfront. The Volunteer Park Loop (locally known as the Nature Trail) is also easily accessible from town and offers an easy stroll through muskeg, marsh and rainforest environments. At the Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area, five miles from town, is the trailhead for the Rainbow Falls trail system. Whether you stop at the platform to view a scenic 100-foot waterfall or continue on for a longer, more strenuous hike, you’re in for spectacular views and lush forest. Backpackers may choose to spend the night at one of the three-sided Forest Service shelters.

City Park, one mile from the ferry terminal, offers tent camping close to town. Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area is located five miles from town, offering both free tent camping areas and 16 RV sites with or without hookups for a fee. The adjacent marina parking area provides a dump station, water spigot, and restrooms.

Visitors with their own vehicle can access numerous Forest Service campsites on the island. Maps of the trails and roads can be found at the Visitor Center located in the Nolan Center or at the Forest Service office.

Local outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals, jetboat charters, or flights providing access to remote Forest Service cabins and trails that can only be reached by boat or floatplane. There are 23 cabins located in the Wrangell area. These rustic cabins include heating stoves, plywood bunks, tables, benches, and outhouses. Information and reservations for these cabins can be found online at www.recreation.gov.