Camping at Middle Dangerous River Cabin Campground
Overview of Middle Dangerous River Cabin Campground
Middle Dangerous River Cabin Campground is located within the Tongass National Forest in Alaska. This national forest is known as the largest in the United States, encompassing vast temperate rainforests, glaciers, and numerous waterways. The campground is situated along the Dangerous River, which can provide a range of outdoor activities such as fishing, wildlife viewing, and boating.
Accessibility and Transportation
Getting There: To reach the Middle Dangerous River Cabin Campground, you will most likely need to arrange for specific transportation due to its remote location. Common methods to get there include:
- Floatplane: Most visitors access the site by floatplane from Yakutat, which takes approximately 15-20 minutes.
- Boat: Boating access is possible via the Dangerous River, but it requires knowledge of the river and its conditions.
Facilities and Amenities
Cabin Features: The Middle Dangerous River Cabin is a traditional rustic forest service cabin. It typically includes:
- Bunk beds or sleeping platforms
- A table and benches
- A wood stove for heating
- An outside toilet (usually an outhouse)
Lack of Services: There is no electricity, potable water, or cell phone service at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own food, water filter, sleeping bags, cooking stove, and other essentials.
Activities
Fishing: The Dangerous River and nearby streams are popular for fishing, particularly for salmon and steelhead.
Wildlife Viewing: The area is a habitat for brown bears, moose, and bald eagles, providing excellent opportunities for wildlife observation.
Hiking and Exploring: Visitors can explore the surrounding forest, waterways, and meadows. However, trails may be poorly marked, so good navigation skills are important.
Booking and Regulations
Reservations: The cabin is available for reservation through the USDA Forest Service website or by calling the National Recreation Reservation Service. It is advisable to book well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Stay Limits: There may be limits on the number of consecutive nights you can stay, which helps ensure that more people have the opportunity to enjoy the cabin.
Leave No Trace: It's essential to practice Leave No Trace principles to protect the natural environment. This includes packing out all trash, minimizing campfire impacts, and respecting wildlife.
Bears and Food Storage: Proper food storage is crucial in this area due to the presence of bears. Food, garbage, and other attractants should be securely stored.
Safety Considerations
- Weather: The area is prone to inclement weather, and visitors should be prepared for sudden changes, including heavy rain and cold temperatures.
- Water Safety: If you plan to boat or fish in the river, be aware of swift currents and changing water levels. Life jackets should be worn at all times near the water.
- Bear Safety: Since brown bears are common, visitors should be knowledgeable about bear safety. This includes making noise while hiking, carrying bear spray, and knowing how to use it.
Conclusion
Middle Dangerous River Cabin Campground offers a secluded outdoors experience in the wilds of the Tongass National Forest. Preparation is key – make sure you have all necessary supplies and are familiar with the safety guidelines of the region. With that in hand, your visit to this remote retreat can be a memorable and adventurous getaway.
