Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Star2.90
11 reviews
,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

154 ft

Price

$60 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District. site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Mcdonald Lake Cabin
$60.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Facility rates: $75 during peak season (May 1 - September 30); $60 during non-peak season (October 1 - December 31). Does not include change fees...
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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
907-225-2148.
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What Campers Say

2.90

Mixed Reviews

Based on 11 reviews

Most mentioned

location

"User reviews of McDonald Lake Cabin highlight both the unique charm of the site and the logistical challenges it presents. Many users appreciated the cabin's remote location and scenic beauty, while others pointed out maintenance issues and the need for better planning. The lack of guaranteed firewood and minor equipment problems were recurring themes."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.

Mcdonald Lake Cabin

,Cleveland Peninsula, north of Yes Bay.

Driving directionsAccess is by float plane or boat. There is a 1.5-mile hike by trail from Yes Bay Lodge at saltwater. Refer to USGS Ketchikan D-6. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land).
Accessible only by float plane or boat, with a 1.5-mile hike needed from Yes Bay Lodge. Road access is not applicable as the site is extremely remote.
Nearby places
Ketchikan - 50 miles
Nearby supplies
Supplies would need to be obtained in Ketchikan prior to arrival. There are no facilities near the cabin for supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Experience the crisp embrace of Alaska's temperate rainforest climate, where temperatures hover around a refreshing 32 degrees on average during cooler months. This moderate coastal environment creates perfect conditions for wildlife viewing and ensures the lush forest remains vibrant year-round, though visitors should prepare for the region's characteristic mist and rainfall that nourish this emerald paradise.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer reviews highlight fishing and boating opportunities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Less info; shoulder-season activity possible but fewer reviews mention fall specifics.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Variable spring access; fishing and wildlife viewing possible but limited review detail.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended

Winter accessibility can be challenging due to frozen lake; check ranger before booking.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: No bear or other official alerts equipment malfunction.

About Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Escape to the untouched wilderness of McDonald Lake Cabin, where the pristine waters of a remote Alaskan lake meet ancient rainforests teeming with life. This secluded retreat, accessible only by floatplane, promises an authentic backcountry experience surrounded by towering mountains, mirror-like waters, and the raw beauty of America's last frontier. Here, wilderness isn't just a backdrop—it's your closest neighbor.
The McDonald Lake Cabin represents a primitive camping experience with basic facilities and no modern amenities. It is isolated and only accessible by float plane or a 1.5-mile hike.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Null
Stay Limit
7

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

The McDonald Lake Cabin offers a range of outdoor activities, including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The area is rich in natural beauty and provides opportunities for adventure and exploration.
HikingThe McDonald Lake Trail, a 1.5-mile path, connects Yes Bay to the cabin. A 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) three-sided shelter is a notable highlight along the trail. Hiking is described as challenging by some visitors. One review mentions, 'The hike to Yes Bay was pretty hard up and down a lot.'
FishingSteelhead and salmon runs are common up to Wolverine Creek, and the lake offers trout and Dolly Varden. As one reviewer noted, 'Caught pink, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden.' Fishing permits must be obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
BoatingThe cabin includes a skiff with oars for lake exploration. Visitors must provide their own life jackets and can use a short-shaft motor, which is not provided. One visitor commented, 'The skiff might have a small leak.'
Wildlife viewingThe area is home to Sitka black-tailed deer, black and brown bears, wolves, and a variety of bird species. Otters have also been spotted. A visitor noted, 'Saw bear at the inlet and a family of otters.'
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBear precautions
Active AlertsNo bear or other official alerts equipment malfunction.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Mcdonald Lake Cabin

Reviews

2.9
11 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mcdonald Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of McDonald Lake Cabin highlight both the unique charm of the site and the logistical challenges it presents. Many users appreciated the cabin's remote location and scenic beauty, while others pointed out maintenance issues and the need for better planning. The lack of guaranteed firewood and minor equipment problems were recurring themes.
Review Summaries
Based on 11 reviews

What Campers Love

Visitors praised the cabin's beautiful location, the availability of a skiff for boating, and the abundant fishing opportunities. One review stated, 'Arriving by float plane with Carlin Air was...
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Based on 11 reviews

Common Concerns

Frequent complaints included the unreliable supply of firewood, issues with the skiff's condition, and the cabin's darkness after skylights were removed. Users mentioned, 'There was very little...
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Based on 11 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Users recommend bringing extra firewood, a headlamp, and all essential supplies due to the cabin's remote location. One visitor advised, 'Take headlamps even for daytime activities inside the cabin.'
Based on 11 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter accessibility can be challenging due to frozen lake surfaces, and visitors are advised to check with the ranger district before booking during this season. Summer reviews highlight fishing and...
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Based on 11 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Arriving by float plane with Carlin Air was amazing.' - 'Caught pink, cutthroat, and Dolly Varden.' - 'There was very little firewood.'
Based on 11 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Most reviews focused on the cabin and its immediate surroundings. Specific site-related comments were about the skiff's condition, the need for better maintenance, and the beauty of the location.
Based on 11 reviews

Accessibility Features

There are no specific reviews addressing accessibility features for individuals with disabilities.
Based on 11 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews mentioned experiences with pets.
Based on 11 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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