Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

4 reviews

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

FishingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Thorne Bay Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

243 ft

Price

$25 - $40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

1 campsites

Season

Open season: May 1 -...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Thorne Bay Ranger District site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

$25.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees vary by season. Peak season (May 1 - Sept 30): $40 per night. Non-peak season (Oct 1 - Dec 31): $25 per night. Additional reservation fees apply...

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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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

907-828-3304

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What Campers Say

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Limited Reviews

Based on 4 reviews

Most mentioned

hiking

"The Salmon Lake Cabin has limited user reviews available, with one review mentioning enjoying the cabin during rainy weather."

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Campground Map

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

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

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

Driving directionsSalmon Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or by boating 10 miles from Hollis to Karta Bay and hiking 5 miles on difficult terrain to reach the cabin. By plane, it is approximately 42 air miles from Ketchikan and 14 air miles from Thorne Bay. However, access may be limited in fall, winter, and early spring due to frozen lake surfaces. Helicopter access is illegal. Inclement weather conditions may extend trips, and winter access may be difficult due to snow and ice conditions; extra supplies for 2-5 days are recommended.

Access is challenging. The route includes float plane travel or boating and a 5-mile hike on difficult terrain. Seasonal weather can impede accessibility due to frozen lake surfaces and snow or ice conditions.

Nearby places

Nearby cities: Ketchikan (42 air miles), Thorne Bay (14 air miles), Hollis (10 miles by boat to Karta Bay).

Nearby supplies

Visitors must bring their own supplies for food, water, equipment, and safety gear

nearby amenities are limited.

Best Time to Camp at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

The rhythms of Southeast Alaska dictate life at Salmon Lake, where each season paints the wilderness in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the landscape into an angler's paradise, with warm days perfect for casting lines and taking refreshing dips in the pristine waters. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in color while salmon surge upstream in their ancient ritual. Winter wraps the cabin in a crystalline blanket, making access challenging as snow accumulates and the lake surface freezes into a mirror of ice. Throughout every season, the coastal weather keeps visitors on their toes—sunshine can shift to rain in moments, reminding all who venture here to pack layers and rain gear for any eventuality.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Peak season; ideal for fishing, swimming, beachcombing and warm-weather activities.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Open into October–December; non-peak but still offers salmon runs and solitude as seasons change.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.0 / 5

Open from May 1; spring access begins late and shoulder-season weather can be variable.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

Not recommended

Site is closed Jan–Apr; winter conditions present snow/ice challenges during shoulder months.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season: May 1 - September 30. Non-peak season: October 1 - December 31.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open season: May 1 - December 31. Reservable start dates: June 20 of each year.
Current Alerts: Fall, winter, and early spring may see frozen lake surfaces, limiting float plane access. Weather conditions can extend trips unexpectedly.

About Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Deep in the untamed wilderness of Prince of Wales Island, Salmon Lake Cabin beckons adventurers seeking an authentic Alaskan escape. This remote refuge, accessible only to those willing to embrace the journey, rewards visitors with world-class fishing, pristine hiking trails, and intimate wildlife encounters. While the cabin provides essential shelter and basic comforts, guests should arrive prepared for self-sufficient living and ready to navigate the challenges that make this destination so magnificently wild. Here, the rugged access and unpredictable weather aren't obstacles—they're part of the adventure that keeps this corner of Alaska beautifully untouched.

Salmon Lake Cabin offers a unique wilderness lodging experience in a remote area of southeastern Alaska.

Historical SignificanceLong before the first cabin logs were laid, the Haida people thrived in these waters and forests, their sophisticated culture deeply intertwined with the land's abundant resources. For countless generations, Native Alaskans navigated these waterways, harvested the legendary salmon runs, and passed down stories of this sacred landscape. Their legacy lives on in the very name of Salmon Lake, honoring the silvery fish that have sustained communities here for millennia. Today's visitors walk in the footsteps of these original inhabitants, experiencing the same timeless wilderness that has provided sustenance and spiritual connection for thousands of years.

Weather and SeasonsThe rhythms of Southeast Alaska dictate life at Salmon Lake, where each season paints the wilderness in dramatically different hues. Summer transforms the landscape into an angler's paradise, with warm days perfect for casting lines and taking refreshing dips in the pristine waters. As autumn arrives, the forest explodes in color while salmon surge upstream in their ancient ritual. Winter wraps the cabin in a crystalline blanket, making access challenging as snow accumulates and the lake surface freezes into a mirror of ice. Throughout every season, the coastal weather keeps visitors on their toes—sunshine can shift to rain in moments, reminding all who venture here to pack layers and rain gear for any eventuality.

ElevationNestled within the coastal wilderness of Southeast Alaska, the cabin rests at an elevation where temperate rainforest meets pristine alpine waters. This unique positioning creates a microclimate that supports the region's incredible biodiversity, from towering Sitka spruce and western hemlock to the delicate understory of ferns and moss that carpet the forest floor.

Natural Features and SceneryPerched on Salmon Lake's northern shore, the cabin serves as your gateway to the magnificent Karta River Wilderness—a realm where nature still reigns supreme. Ancient forests of towering conifers create a emerald cathedral around the crystalline lake, their reflection doubling the drama on calm mornings. The Karta River system weaves through this landscape like nature's highway, channeling massive salmon runs that transform quiet streams into churning rivers of life each season. From your cabin door, watch as wolves emerge from morning mist, black bears amble along the shoreline in search of berries or fish, and Sitka black-tailed deer pick their way through the underbrush. Above, the haunting calls of trumpeter swans echo across the water, while bald eagles patrol from their lofty perches.

Geological RegionPrince of Wales Island, the third-largest island in the United States, cradles Salmon Lake within its vast southeastern Alaska wilderness. This geological wonderland within the Karta River Wilderness showcases the raw power of ancient glaciers that carved deep valleys and pristine lakes throughout the landscape. The island's unique position in the Alexander Archipelago creates a biological crossroads where marine and terrestrial ecosystems merge. Here, the legendary salmon runs that define the region surge through intricate river drainage systems, supporting an entire web of life from massive coastal brown bears to delicate stream insects. The surrounding old-growth forests harbor wolves that roam in shadows, black bears that rule the berry patches, graceful Sitka black-tailed deer, and majestic trumpeter swans that grace the waterways—all thriving in one of North America's last great wilderness frontiers.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in anytime on the arrival date.

Check-out

Check-out by midnight on the departure date.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sleeps up to 4 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSingle structure cabin (15x20 ft) with wooden bunkbeds, cooking counter, and wood stove.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available through Recreation.gov website, mobile app, and contact center.

Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations available; availability depends on the season and demand.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled anytime before scheduled arrival, with a $10 cancellation fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee for cancellations less than 14 days before arrival. No refunds for cancellations made on the day of arrival. Same-day reservations available.

AccessibilityThe cabin is located in a remote wilderness area and may not be accessible for individuals with mobility challenges due to its location and lack of developed trails.

Site SizeThe cabin is 15 x 20 feet in size, providing adequate space for up to four people.

PrivacyThe cabin is secluded, located on the northern shore of Salmon Lake in the Karta River Wilderness area, ensuring privacy and a scenic wilderness setting.

Total Campsites1 campsites

Recommended SitesIdeal for small groups of up to 4 people. Visitors should prioritize preparation and self-sufficiency.

Amenities available

Firewood available

Lodging and accommodations

Vault toilets

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Salmon Lake Cabin offers excellent opportunities for outdoor recreation in a remote and scenic wilderness setting. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, beachcombing, wildlife viewing, and boating.

HikingGuests can enjoy hiking the 5-mile Karta River Trail, which provides access to steelhead, sockeye, and coho salmon runs. Additional hiking to McGilvery Creek and Anderson Creek is available without developed trails. Visitors should have maps and orienteering skills.

FishingFishing opportunities include rainbow and cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, and various salmon species such as pink, silver, and sockeye. Guests should consult the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for regulations like catch-and-release orders.

SwimmingSwimming is popular during the summer months, particularly at the large sandy beach outside the cabin.

BoatingGuests can use an aluminum skiff with oars provided at the cabin for boating activities. Personal flotation devices must be brought by visitors.

Wildlife viewingCommon wildlife includes wolves, black bears, Sitka black-tailed deer, beavers, otters, minks, martens, weasels, trumpeter swans, and waterfowl species. Guests are advised to learn about bear safety.

Beach activitiesBeachcombing and sunbathing on the large sandy beach are popular activities during warmer months.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include wildlife (bears, wolves), inclement weather, difficult terrain, and water safety risks.

Active AlertsFall, winter, and early spring may see frozen lake surfaces, limiting float plane access. Weather conditions can extend trips unexpectedly.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyGuests are asked to conserve firewood due to limited supply. Bringing fire starters is recommended.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are not specified.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are accessible through the Thorne Bay Ranger District (contact: 907-828-3304).

Trash & RecyclingGuests must bring their own garbage bags, and all garbage and food leftovers must be packed out.

Water FeaturesLocated directly on the northern shore of Salmon Lake.

Camp HostContact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 for more details.

Weather at Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay

Reviews

0.0

4 reviews

Limited Reviews

Salmon Lake Cabin Thorne Bay has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews

The Salmon Lake Cabin has limited user reviews available, with one review mentioning enjoying the cabin during rainy weather.

Review Summaries

Based on 4 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the scenic wilderness setting, the rustic cabin design, and recreational opportunities such as fishing and hiking.

Based on 4 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited accessibility, lack of running water and electricity, and the necessity to bring many basic amenities are potential concerns for visitors.

Based on 4 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Guests should ensure they are well-prepared with maps, orienteering skills, and extra supplies for 2-5 days due to the remote location. Bringing personal flotation devices for boating is mandatory.

Based on 4 reviews