This is the weekly Recreation and Road report for August 17 through 21, 2026, from your Forest Service Interpreters at the Wrangell Ranger District.

Road Conditions, Construction and Logging Activity:

  • Middle Ridge Road is closed until reconstruction is complete in 2027.
  • The mainline, McCormick Creek Road, FR #6265, is washed out and impassable at milepost 13, just past Highbush Lake Road.
  • Highbush Lake Road, FR #50040, has a slide across it but is passable with a high-clearance vehicle.
  • Roosevelt Dock on Zarembo Island is closed until further notice. Repairs are delayed due to supply chain issues.
  • Trees are down on Zarembo Island roads near Roosevelt Harbor. These areas are ATV-accessible, but cars can’t get through.
  • There may be logging activity on FR #51720 on Etolin Island, as well as activity at the LTF. Be prepared for traffic delays.
  • The Forest Service is working on road repair, but a completion date is unknown at this time..
  • The Wrangell Ranger District reminds everyone to be safe when working or recreating on the Tongass.

Anan Wildlife Observatory:

  • Wildlife update from the Anan Rangers: Black bears have been seen daily. Brown bears have been seen every other day or so. The fish are in good numbers and Anan bears are catching a lot of fish. There are three sets of cubs at Anan: black bear triplets, black bear twins, and brown bear twins.
  • Observers at Anan have spotted a black bear with a broken arm. He is still catching fish and eating. It’s ADF&G policy to not interfere with wildlife, so this bear will be left alone. The good news is, he is still catching and eating fish.
  • You can view the Anan bears online on the Anan livestream at Explore.org. You can find a shortcut to the livestream on KSTK.org. Look for the “Anan Live Bear Cam” link in the right-hand column of the KSTK website. You can also find the Bear Bingo game and more information on the Friends of Anan Facebook page or website. Prizes are available for Bear Bingo winners.
  • Anan permit season ends on August 25th. There are still some permits available on recreation.gov for $30. Permits allow you to visit Anan, but you’ll need to find your own transportation by boat or floatplane.
  • If no permits are available on recreation.gov for the day that you are interested in, permits may be available at the district office.
  • If you’re interested in purchasing transportation to Anan, contact an authorized guide directly for transportation and permits. 

Recreational Reminders:

  • Áax’w Sáani (Little Lakes) cabin is under construction. It’s expected to be complete sometime in August. Expect short traffic delays on FR #6277.
  • As the summer comes to an end, the Rangers hope you get some time to enjoy the outdoors.
  • Remember to be prepared and aware when you’re outside in bear country. Bring bear spray and make noise.
  • This is the final Recreation and Road Report for the 2026 season. Thank you all for a great summer, and tune in again next year!

This announcement is courtesy of KSTK and your Wrangell Ranger District.