Reflection Lake Cabin

Campground · Alaska · 1 bookable site ·

Managed by the USDA Forest Service

Tongass National Forest (NF) · Open Access

1
Bookable site
up to 6
People per site
331 ft
Elevation
Reflection Lake Cabin Sign
Photo: USFS · Recreation.gov

Overview

Reflection Lake Cabin is situated on the Cleveland Peninsula at the shore of Reflection Lake approximately 50 air miles from Ketchikan. The cabin is available year-round and makes an excellent base for experiencing this corner of Alaska with its recreation options, beautiful scenery and abundant wildlife.

The cabin is remote and accessible only by float plane or boat, depending on conditions. Boats can be moored in Short Bay, and visitors can hike 2.3 miles to the cabin along the Reflection Lake Trail.

This primitive cabin has no electricity, indoor plumbing or cell phone coverage. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

Recreation

Fishing, boating, hiking and hunting are popular options at this cabin. Steelhead and salmon runs occur in Short Creek. Resident trout and Dolly Varden are available in the lake. For information about fishing and hunting permits and seasons, visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.

A 14-foot aluminum skiff with oars is provided for rowing around the lake, but visitors must provide their own life jackets. The skiff can use a short-shaft motor, which is not provided.

The 2.3-mile Reflection Lake Trail spans from Short Bay in northern Behm Canal to Reflection Lake Cabin. The bridge near Short Bay is out, so hikers must be prepared to ford the stream. This is only possible during low water.

Facilities

The 12x14-ft. ( pan-abode style ) log cabin accommodates 6 people with 2 single and 2 double
bunks. Other amenities include a table and benches, a cooking counter, food storage, broom, splitting maul, and an outhouse. A wood stove is provided for heat. Bring your own firewood as it cannot be guaranteed.

Drinking water is not available at the cabin. Visitors must bring their own water supply, but water is also available from a nearby creek and should be treated before drinking or cooking with it (water safety ).

Visitors should also bring sleeping bags, sleeping pads, cooking gear, lanterns or flashlights, food, toilet paper, garbage bags, a fire extinguisher and fire starter.
Rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving (additional cabin details).

Natural Features

The cabin sits in heavily wooded area backed by hills. The area features numerous rolling muskegs, and the cabin offers stunning views of steep mountains with peaks as high as 5,000 feet and clinging ice fields.

Wildlife includes Sitka black-tailed deer, black and brown bear, mountain goat, wolf, beaver, marten, mink and otter (bear safety and precautions). A variety of birds may be spotted in or near the lake.

The facts

  • Season: Year Round — USDA Forest Service, Aug 24, 2026
  • 1 bookable site
  • Up to 6 people per site
  • Loops: AREA REFLECTION LAKE CABIN

Site types

  • 1 Cabin Nonelectric

Book on Recreation.gov

1 campsite at Reflection Lake Cabin

Check-in 12:00 PM · Check-out 12:00 PM

SiteLoopTypeEntrySurfaceMax rigPeople
K15AREA REFLECTION LAKE CABINCabin Nonelectric———6

Getting there

Approximately 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. In fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible due to frozen lake surface (float planes cannot land). Please contact the Ketchikan-Misty Fjords Ranger District for information prior to making reservations during these periods. Boat access is not recommended at this time due to lack of bridge across Short Creek.

56.01085, -131.56715 · 56°0'39.1"N 131°34'1.7"W

Directions (Google Maps) · Directions (Apple Maps)

Typical weather

Typically 65°F in Jul, down to 38°F in Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F384144505863656559514338
Low °F313232364248525348413532
Precip in11.77.87.57.35.54.75.28.010.212.913.110.8

1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 39.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.

Map

Fees and stay limits

Only one change per reservation for all Alaska cabins is allowed. Change is defined as a modification to the start or end date of the reservation; after one change has been made, if additional changes are desired, the customer must cancel the current reservation and re-book the new dates.

From Recreation.gov, which is not always current. The operator's own page is the authority on what you will be charged.

More photos

Member photos

Common questions about Reflection Lake Cabin

Can you reserve a site at Reflection Lake Cabin?
Yes, Reflection Lake Cabin is reservable through Recreation.gov.
How many campsites does Reflection Lake Cabin have?
1 site.

Also listed by

Reflection Lake Cabin also appears in other federal recreation data. Facts below are matched by name and location, not confirmed by Reflection Lake Cabin's operator.

USDA Forest Service — data as of Aug 24, 2026

  • $75/night peak season May 1 – September 30 $60/night non-peak season October 1 – April 30

USDA Forest Service's own page

Camping near Reflection Lake Cabin

Comments

Contact

Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.

Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.