This site has been made for pilots and non-pilot outdoor adventurers looking to enjoy the public use cabin system, which is a unique treasure in Alaska. If we do not use the cabins we will lose them!
Virginia Lake Cabin is one of the biggest cabins in the system, which makes it perfect for larger groups of people or if you want to spread out. The lake is at an elevation of 110 feet and makes for an easy entry via seaplane. The cabin is made up by joining two standard cabins and adding a huge deck. It is also one of four handicapped cabins with wheelchair access to the cabins and outhouse. The dock is good for seaplane tying up unless there is stronger winds, in which case there is a spacious beach to back the plane into. There used to be a sawmill and mine from where the river flows in the 1940s. Since then the forest service has converted the road into a major trail which gives visitors lots to see and do.
Facilities:
The original (pan-abode style) cabin was built in 1965 and is 12-by-14, but it was modified in the mid 1990’s to make it wheelchair accessible and add a 10-by-8 addition. It features a wheelchair-friendly deck that wraps around two sides of the cabin and a walkway between the cabin and the outhouse. The cabin sleeps eight people with three single bunks and two double bunks with trundles. It also has a table and benches, broom, both a wood stove and oil stove (No. 1 oil required) for heat, and a campfire ring. Note: the cabin is only wheelchair accessible when the seasonal floatplane dock is in the lake; contact the Wrangell Ranger District at 907-874-2323 to check on the status of the dock.
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. It is recommended that visitors bring their own water supply. Cooking facilities are not available. Visitors should provide their own firewood or #1 stove oil, sleeping bags, sleeping pads, a cooking stove, lanterns or flashlights, cookware, plates, utensils, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter. Visitors are expected to pack out trash and clean the cabin before leaving.
Directions:
The cabin is located on the East end of Virginia Lake. Access is via floatplane, 10 miles E of Wrangell. Alternative access is via portaging watercraft over Mill Creek trail and boating across Virginia Lake to the cabin site. There is no trail connecting the Mill Creek Trail to the Virginia Lake Cabin.
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This site has been made for pilots and non-pilot outdoor adventurers looking to enjoy the public use cabin system, which is a unique treasure in Alaska. If we do not use the cabins we will lose them!