About 4.5 miles up this gravel road is a pull-out parking area on the right, where the trail begins. Harbor Mountain Road was built during World War II to provide access to build a lookout and other military installations at the top of the mountain. From the short trail and picnic area there are wonderful vistas of Sitka Sound, Sitka, Mt. Edgecumbe, and numerous other mountains and islands. There are five rather secluded picnic sites near the end of the trail, each with a fire grill, picnic table and a beautiful view. The trail crosses a very fragile subalpine meadow and streamlet.
Several trails radiate from the shelter and lead to picnic sites.
During the winter the Sitka Snowmobilers Club puts walls on the shelter to create a warming hut, which is open for public use. This entire alpine area is good for cross-country skiing in the winter. Snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles are permitted when there is a foot or more of snow protecting the vegetation and ground surface. Easy to find, clear, in good condition. Some muddy spots.