Trail Overview
Shaheen G Spur Road 2050860 is a larger rock and gravel one-lane road with a grass line growing down the middle. More leaves and vegetation debris, as well as down trees on the trail, make this road more challenging with steeper slopes and wet ground as it gradually winds its way up the hillside. There are streams coming out of the ground under the road you can see on the drop-off side of the road, and brush is growing close to the road. The forest on both sides is littered with downed trees, and there are streams rushing out of the hillside above the road. The trail looks like it opens briefly and then back into denser trees and more down trees on the road. There is a little shoulder on this road to pull over to let vehicles pass. Multiple trees are leaning across the road. The trail opens up briefly again, where it passes through 2 older landslides. The road is intact in these areas. Shaheen G Spur is a spur road off of Shaheen in Tongass National Forest that can be accessed from North Island Road. The road continues, but needs a lot of maintenance as there are down trees or trees leaning over the trail around every curve to open this up all the way. This is a temperate rainforest, and you can see Sitka spruce, Western Hemlock, Red cedar, Yellow cedar, poplar, and birch, as well as lichen, moss, ferns, dense old growth forests, and flowers. There are a variety of mushrooms here as well. This section of the road passes through 2 old landslides, and it is good to be aware of the weather and conditions of the road here. There is an open area where you can see hillsides and valleys. There is wildlife in this area. Be safety-minded for wildlife, changing weather conditions, and sudden changes to the road due to rain and landslides. Always plan your trip with basic survival items and local wildlife safety in mind, in case you get stuck in-between roads during a road washout or landslide. There are limited resources here for clearing roads. It is advisable to have a contact and some form of tracker so that your contact can make sure you are on plan and not stuck somewhere. This road connects to other recreational roads and is not a main road for travel. Prince of Wales has Black Bear, Sitka black-tailed deer, Alexander Archipelago Wolves, Bald Eagles, Osprey, Mink, Marten, Beaver, Ermine, and Flying Squirrels, along with a variety of Marine life and Sea Birds. Salmon, Trout, and Steelhead run in the rivers and Creeks here. Driving on the road, you can see Deer. Weather plays a part in the level of difficulty, as this is in a rainforest, and a lot of these roads go through areas of wetlands and hills. There are great views of tree-lined roads, winding roads, hills, and creeks. Tall grass, ferns, a variety of trees, lichens, moss, and flowers can be seen, as well as scenic landscapes. Warnings: Stay on the road and hillside for landslides, watch for falling or down trees, and drop off areas. Watch for signs of road deterioration or washouts due to heavy rainfall. Be mindful of wildlife, especially Bears. No cell service noted. Check weather conditions and be prepared for rain, fog with low visibility, and lower temperatures. It is a rainforest. Suggested best time of year: June - October.
