Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Star3.15
6 reviews
SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

138 ft

Price

$25 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season is May 1...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens USDA Forest Service 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
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $40.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Peak season nightly rate is $40 (May 1 - September 30). Non-peak season nightly rate is $25 (October 1 - December 31). Additional fees may apply for...
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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
907-828-3304
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What Campers Say

3.15

Mixed Reviews

Based on 6 reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulhikinglake

Some mention

reservation

"User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, from the stunning natural beauty and convenient amenities to challenges with trail conditions and reservation issues. The cabin is praised for its scenic location, rustic charm, and abundant recreational options."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

SALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA

Driving directionsSalmon Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane on Salmon Lake, or by a boat/trail combination only at high tide. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and B-4. From the Salmon Bay Lake trailhead: The 1.5 mile hike from a saltwater bay through muddy and slippery conditions includes fording a stream to a boat with oars provided by the Forest Service. The stream crossing is dangerous and not recommended during high water. Guests must then paddle an additional mile to the cabin.
Access is challenging and seasonal. Visitors can access the site via float plane or by boat and trail, which includes slippery and muddy conditions. High tide is required for boat access.
Nearby places
Wrangell (35 air miles), Craig (55 air miles), Ketchikan (84 air miles)
Nearby supplies
Thorne Bay, Alaska, which has basic supplies and resources. Visitors must bring all essentials including food, water, and safety gear.

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Experience Alaska's dramatic seasonal transformations at Salmon Bay Lake, where sun-drenched summer days give way to winter's crystalline wonderland. While summer bathes the cabin in warm, golden light perfect for swimming and exploration, winter transforms the landscape into a snow-covered paradise that demands respect and preparation. The frozen lake creates access challenges during colder months, and sudden weather changes can turn a weekend getaway into an extended wilderness adventure—pack accordingly and embrace the unpredictability that makes Alaska legendary.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season May–Sep: swimming, fishing and sunny beach exposure are highlighted by reviews.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open through Dec; quieter fall season and likely salmon activity, but weather cools and wetness increases.

Spring(Mar-May)
2.5 / 5

Site opens May 1 so early spring is closed; late spring offers emerging season activities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.0 / 5

Winter access is challenging; frozen lake and snow limit activities and most of winter is off-season.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: May 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open season is May 1 to December 31 annually.
  • Current Alerts: Winter access can be limited due to frozen lake conditions.

About Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Escape to the untamed wilderness of Prince of Wales Island at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin, where ancient forests meet pristine waters in one of Alaska's most secluded retreats. This remote sanctuary invites adventurers to disconnect from the modern world and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of the Tongass, complete with a welcoming sandy beach and panoramic views of towering old-growth giants that have stood sentinel for centuries.
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin provides a rustic and remote camping option suited for adventurous travelers. Accommodations are limited to the singular cabin available at the site.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Salmon Bay Lake Cabin offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hiking, swimming, beachcombing, and boating. The area is rich in wildlife such as eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, and black bears, providing a true Alaskan wilderness experience.
HikingThe Salmon Bay Lake Trail connects the saltwater flats to the cabin over a 1.5-mile route. The trail is rated as difficult due to muddy conditions, bad footing, and some moderate climbing toward the north end. User reviews highlight the beautiful old-growth forest but warn about blowdowns and slippery terrain.
FishingFishing opportunities include cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, pink, chum, coho, and sockeye salmon. User reviews mention trout fishing as reasonable, though steelhead fishing can be slow.
SwimmingSwimming is possible during the summer months when the sandy beach outside the cabin receives southern sun exposure.
BoatingAn aluminum skiff with oars is available for boating. Visitors may bring a long shaft motor and must supply their own personal flotation devices.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings may include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, and various waterfowl.
Beach activitiesThe cabin features a large sandy beach suitable for beachcombing and sunbathing during warmer months.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife hazards include black bears. Muddy and slippery trail conditions, including a stream crossing that can be dangerous during high water.
Active AlertsWinter access can be limited due to frozen lake conditions.

Weather at Salmon Bay Lake Cabin

Reviews

3.2
6 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed Reviews
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight a mix of experiences, from the stunning natural beauty and convenient amenities to challenges with trail conditions and reservation issues. The cabin is praised for its scenic location, rustic charm, and abundant recreational options.
Review Summaries
Based on 6 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects include the cabin's beautiful setting by the lake, useful amenities (e.g., skiff, tools), and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking. Reviewers appreciated the...
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Based on 6 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include issues with trail conditions, such as muddy areas and blowdowns. One user reported a reservation conflict where another group claimed the cabin was reserved for them.
Based on 6 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Recommendations include bringing seasoning for cooking trout, being mindful of tide levels when accessing the trailhead, and preparing for a solid hike with heavy packs.
Based on 6 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews emphasize swimming, fishing, and the sunny exposure of the sandy beach. Winter accessibility is noted as challenging due to frozen lake surfaces and snow.
Based on 6 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The hike in was a solid walk with heavy packs, but under 2mi and little elevation change, and wonderous old-growth forest!' - Grace H. 2. 'Trail to be salt water not very good with many blowdowns...
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Based on 6 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site-specific reviews mention the cabin (T09) and highlight its scenic beauty, decent condition, and issues like reservation disputes and trail accessibility.
Based on 6 reviews

Accessibility Features

No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 6 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews about pet experiences or policies are provided.
Based on 6 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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