Trail Overview
Shaheen Road 2050000 is a nice gravel one-lane road with pull-out areas to let oncoming vehicles pass in Tongass National Forest that can be accessed from North Island Road. At the start of this road, there is a pull-off area with a pond and a Beaver Lodge. This tree-lined one-lane gravel road with potholes starts off as a nicely maintained road winding around hills and valleys, with access to 12 currently drivable roads, many of which are rated for ATV/Motorcycle and also have additional spur roads as well as multiple closed/unknown roads. There is access to Staney Creek So Campground with a nice campsite with a picnic table, and access to a boat ramp next to Winter Harbor Shelter and Outhouse. There are multiple bridges (9) crossing over creeks, and one that has a large waterfall dropping off on one side past the bridge. Towards the end of the trail, there are more water ruts, potholes, and it gets bumpy and rougher, and then abruptly ends at a berm where there is a stack of logs. The road continues, but is not passable past this point until the road is repaired. There are 2 rock pit areas on this road, and one that looks active, so be mindful of large trucks and equipment that might travel this road and be prepared to pull over to allow them to pass if needed. 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, and muskeg areas that intermingle with dense old-growth forests. There are a variety of mushrooms here as well. At the top of the road, there is an open area where you can see hillsides and valleys, as well as a brief connection to cell service. 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 obvious signs of bears and 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 hills, shoreline, lakes, muskeg/wetlands, creeks, and winding roads. Tall grass, ferns, a variety of trees, lichens, moss, and flowers can be seen, as well as scenic landscapes. Warnings: Keep on the road, Muskeg/wetlands, 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 was noted on the main road, but there was some service at the top. 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.
