Reflection Lake Cabin

Star3.15
9 reviews
, KETCHIKAN, AK, USA
FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

420 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

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January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Reflection Lake Cabin
$60.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Cabin rates are $75 per night during peak season (May 1 - September 30) and $60 per night during non-peak season (October 1 - December 31). Rates do...
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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

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 9 reviews

"User reviews for Reflection Lake Cabin emphasize its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities but often point out maintenance and sanitation issues. Most reviewers praise the fishing and boating opportunities, while others express frustrations with the poorly maintained outhouse and overgrown areas."

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Campground Map

, KETCHIKAN, AK, USA

Reflection Lake Cabin

, KETCHIKAN, AK, USA

Driving directionsApproximately 50 air miles from Ketchikan on Cleveland Peninsula, northwest of Short Bay. Cabin is on the northeast shore of Reflection Lake. Access is by float plane or boat. Two-mile hike from Short Bay, where there is a mooring buoy.
The cabin is extremely remote and accessible only by float plane or boat. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surfaces (float planes cannot land). Boat access is difficult due to the lack of a bridge across Short Creek.
Nearby places
Ketchikan: 50 air miles (travel time varies based on float plane or boat conditions).
Nearby supplies
Supplies must be brought by visitors. No provisions are available on-site, and access to supplies in Ketchikan (50 air miles away) requires prior planning.

Best Time to Camp at Reflection Lake Cabin

Experience the dramatic seasonal transformation of this Alaskan paradise. Winter wraps the landscape in a crystalline embrace, with temperatures plummeting below freezing and the lake surface becoming an impenetrable mirror of ice that grounds even the hardiest float planes. As summer awakens the wilderness, the waters come alive with the ancient dance of salmon returning to spawn, while rainbow trout cruise the depths, offering anglers unforgettable moments beneath the midnight sun.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep; summer praised for excellent fishing (Coho, trout) and boating.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.0 / 5

Fall offers salmon runs but also overgrown trails and increased bear activity, adding hazards.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Early spring access limited by ice; seasonal transitions and muddy/overgrown trails reduce appeal.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Open year-round but lake freezes and access is limited; winter conditions are harsh and services limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but access may be limited due to frozen lake surfaces during fall, winter, and early spring.
  • Current Alerts: Bridge near Short Bay is out, requiring hikers to ford Short Creek during low water.

About Reflection Lake Cabin

Tucked away in the untamed wilderness of Alaska's Cleveland Peninsula, Reflection Lake Cabin offers adventurers a true escape from civilization. This rustic log cabin, reachable only by the splash of a float plane landing or the gentle approach of a boat, serves as your gateway to pristine solitude. With comfortable accommodations for up to six guests, this remote retreat invites you to disconnect from the modern world and immerse yourself in Alaska's raw beauty.
Reflection Lake Cabin features primitive camping accommodations designed to immerse visitors in a remote wilderness experience.
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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.

Amenities available

Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Reflection Lake Cabin offers a variety of outdoor activities catering to adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Fishing, boating, hiking, and hunting are popular pursuits in the area. The lake is home to steelhead, salmon, trout, and Dolly Varden, offering exciting fishing opportunities. Visitors can use a provided 14-foot aluminum skiff to explore the lake, though they must bring their own life jackets. The Reflection Lake Trail, spanning 2.3 miles from Short Bay to the cabin, offers hiking routes, though parts of the trail require fording streams due to a bridge being out.
HikingHiking is available via the Reflection Lake Trail, which spans 2.3 miles between Short Bay and the cabin. Visitors should note the bridge near Short Bay is out, requiring hikers to ford the stream during low water. Reviews describe the trail as 'difficult to follow' and 'brutal,' particularly near the ocean.
FishingFishing opportunities at Reflection Lake are diverse. Steelhead and salmon runs occur at Short Creek, while resident trout and Dolly Varden are available in the lake. User reviews highlight Coho Salmon fishing as 'outstanding' during late summer. Trout sizing ranges from 12"-18", with occasional catches of 22"-24".
BoatingThe cabin provides a 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars for exploring the lake. Visitors must bring their own life jackets and may use a short-shaft motor, though none are provided. User reviews note the lake is over five miles long and recommend a 5/6HP motor for efficient navigation.
Wildlife viewingWildlife in the area includes Sitka black-tailed deer, black and brown bears, mountain goats, wolves, beavers, martens, minks, and otters. Bird species are also commonly spotted near the lake. User reviews emphasize the abundance of bears during the salmon run.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards are present, including bears and wolves. Visitors should exercise caution, particularly during salmon runs.
Active AlertsBridge near Short Bay is out, requiring hikers to ford Short Creek during low water.
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 Reflection Lake Cabin

Reviews

3.2
9 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Reflection Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Reflection Lake Cabin emphasize its stunning natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities but often point out maintenance and sanitation issues. Most reviewers praise the fishing and boating opportunities, while others express frustrations with the poorly maintained outhouse and overgrown areas.
Review Summaries
Based on 9 reviews

What Campers Love

Users highlight the cabin's beautiful surroundings, fishing opportunities for trout and salmon, and wildlife sightings. One review enthusiastically notes, 'This is one of the most beautiful places...
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Based on 9 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include the outhouse being in poor condition ('The toilet hasn’t been pumped in years. This thing was full to the top. Disgusting and unhealthy.'), the dock and bridge being in...
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Based on 9 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

User recommendations advise bringing extra firewood, duraflame logs, and a short-shaft boat motor for navigating the lake. One reviewer suggested bringing a 5/6HP motor for efficient exploration of...
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Based on 9 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is praised for its excellent fishing conditions, particularly for Coho Salmon and trout. Fall brings challenges with overgrown trails and increased bear activity during salmon runs. Winter and...
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Based on 9 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'This is one of the most beautiful places you can visit. The fishing for trout is great and at the right times, the Coho Salmon fishing is outstanding.' 2. 'The toilet hasn’t been pumped in years....
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Based on 9 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Reviews consistently reference campsite K15, Loop: AREA REFLECTION LAKE CABIN.
Based on 9 reviews

Accessibility Features

No specific accessibility reviews are noted.
Based on 9 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-owner experiences are available.
Based on 9 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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