Overview Virginia Lake Cabin is a short floatplane ride from Wrangell, Alaska, making it a popular destination for a remote getaway on a scenic lake. It is located 10 miles east of Wrangell on the mainland above Eastern Passage. The area around Virginia Lake provides opportunities for fishing, hunting, paddling and hik…
Overview Virginia Lake Cabin is a short floatplane ride from Wrangell, Alaska, making it a popular destination for a remote getaway on a scenic lake. It is located 10 miles east of Wrangell on the mainland above Eastern Passage. The area around Virginia Lake provides opportunities for fishing, hunting, paddling and hiking. The site can be accessed by float plane, depending on conditions, or by portaging and paddling watercraft. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety and must bring several of their own amenities.Recreation Anglers can fish for cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden from May to October and sockeye salmon in August and September. A 14' skiff with oars is provided at the cabin, but visitors must supply their own flotation devices and ensure that the skiff is secured before leaving. Hunting is possible in the area with the proper permits. The .9-mile Mill Creek Trail can be accessed by cabin users by paddling across the lake to the outlet. Trail users can see evidence of past mining and an old sawmill, and can access fishing opportunities in Mill Creek. Alternate access to the cabin from the saltwater at Eastern Passage is by portaging watercraft over this trail. There is no developed trail from the end of Mill Creek Trail at the Virginia Lake outlet to the cabin. 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
Photos
Virginia Lake Cabin — USFSMoose in front of Virginia Lake — USFSVirginia Lake Cabin walkway to outhouse and woodshed — USFSVirginia Lake with mountains in background — USFSFloatplane on Virginia Lake — USFSFirepit at Virginia Lake Cabin — USFSVirginia Lake Cabin below trees with water in front — USFSFour people getting on floatplane on Virginia Lake — USFSVirginia Lake Cabin underneath tall trees — USFSVirginia Lake Cabin interior with wood bunks and mattresses — USFSVirginia Lake Cabin and wooden walkway — USFSThree people in front of Virginia Lake Cabin — USFS
How to Get There
The cabin is on the east end of Virginia Lake, about 10 miles east of Wrangell. The lake is on the mainland (elevation 105 feet) above Eastern Passage. The cabin is accessible by float plane. Virginia Lake is usually ice-free May to October. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Wrangell Ranger District at (907) 874-2323 for information prior to making reservations during these periods.
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN
Heading to VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN? A few things to know before you go:
Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN?
No central reservation system listed for VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233077) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to VIRGINIA LAKE CABIN?
The cabin is on the east end of Virginia Lake, about 10 miles east of Wrangell. The lake is on the mainland (elevation 105 feet) above Eastern Passage. The cabin is accessible by float plane. Virginia Lake is usually ice-free May to October. In fall, winter and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Wrangell Ranger Dist…
