HIKING & CAMPING

Explore the Tongass National Forest on foot.

Hikers and campers in Wrangell, Alaska, have a wealth of options both on Wrangell Island and in the surrounding wilderness. For those staying close to town, the Mt. Dewey Trail is a must-visit. This popular half-mile hike follows the footsteps of renowned naturalist John Muir, leading to a stunning view that overlooks the town and oceanfront. If you prefer a leisurely walk, the Volunteer Park Loop, also known locally as the Nature Trail, offers an easy stroll through diverse environments, including muskeg, marsh, and rainforest, all within easy reach of town.

For a more adventurous experience, head five miles from town to the Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area. Here, you’ll find the trailhead for the Rainbow Falls trail system. Whether you pause at the platform to admire the breathtaking 100-foot waterfall or continue on for a more challenging hike, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views and lush forest scenery. Backpackers can extend their adventure by spending the night at one of the three-sided Forest Service shelters, perfect for an immersive wilderness experience.

For those looking to camp, City Park—just one mile from the ferry terminal—offers convenient tent camping close to town. Meanwhile, the Shoemaker Bay Recreation Area, located five miles from town, provides both free tent camping areas and 16 RV sites, with or without hookups available for a fee. The adjacent marina parking area features essential amenities, including a dump station, water spigot, and restrooms.

Visitors with their own vehicles can explore numerous Forest Service campsites scattered across Wrangell Island. Detailed maps of the trails and roads are available at the Visitor Center in the Nolan Center or at the Forest Service office.

To truly immerse yourself in Wrangell’s wilderness, consider renting a canoe or kayak, booking a jetboat charter, or taking a flight to access remote Forest Service cabins and trails, reachable only by boat or floatplane. There are 23 rustic cabins in the Wrangell area, each equipped with heating stoves, plywood bunks, tables, benches, and outhouses. For more information and reservations, visit recreation.gov.

In 2023, Travel Wrangell partnered with Wander Maps, a leading 3D mobile mapping developer, to create an interactive, downloadable map of Wrangell. This map includes all cabins and trails within the USFS Wrangell Ranger District. To explore it, simply click “Interactive Map” in our navigation menu.

Berg Bay Cabin roughly 15 miles south east of Wrangell.