Reflection Lake Cabin
04 reviews, KETCHIKAN, AK, USA
Reflection Lake Cabin
$60.00 - $75.00 / night
Campsite Fees
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
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 not reflect taxes, discounts, or incremental charges.
About this campground
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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationThe landscape here tells a story of ancient forces, where towering mountains thrust skyward from rolling carpets of spongy muskeg. This dramatic terrain creates a natural amphitheater of wilderness, with each elevation change revealing new perspectives on Alaska's rugged grandeur. The interplay between steep slopes and gentle wetlands forms a diverse ecosystem that captures the essence of the remote Cleveland Peninsula.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a world where nature reigns supreme. Dense forests of towering conifers create cathedral-like groves, while soft muskegs invite careful exploration across their moss-covered surfaces. Above it all, majestic peaks soar to heights of 5,000 feet, their shoulders draped with ancient ice fields that glisten in the northern light. This living landscape serves as home to Sitka black-tailed deer picking their way through the underbrush, black bears foraging along salmon streams, and a symphony of birds filling the air with wild music.
Geological RegionThe Cleveland Peninsula reveals itself as a masterpiece of geological artistry, where heavily forested valleys give way to undulating muskegs that stretch like nature's own water gardens. Behind the cabin, protective hills rise like ancient sentinels, while beyond them, the true giants of the landscape emerge – steep-sided mountains that climb dramatically to 5,000-foot summits. These peaks wear crowns of ice that have clung to their slopes for millennia, creating a dramatic backdrop that reminds visitors of the powerful forces that shaped this remote corner of Alaska.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned for Reflection Lake Cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin is described as 12x14 ft. in size.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a heavily wooded area, ensuring a secluded camping experience with stunning wilderness views.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring ample supplies, including firewood, water, and safety equipment. Duraflame or similar materials are recommended for firewood.
Best CampsitesSingle site available, Reflection Lake Cabin.
Reserving a campsite
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 7 nights during a visit at this campground.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin accommodates up to 6 people.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin setup with nearby outhouse and food storage.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round, but access may be limited due to frozen lake surfaces during fall, winter, and early spring.
Reservation PlatformsReservations are available through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are allowed for this cabin.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled any time before the arrival date, with a $10 cancellation fee. Late cancellations (less than 14 days before arrival) will incur an additional penalty of forfeiting the first night's recreation use fee.
Accomodation available
Cabin lodgingCabin lodging is available for campers seeking a more sheltered and comfortable experience. These enclosed accommodations offer protection from the elements and are ideal for those who prefer not to camp in tents.
Amenities available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
Hiking 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.Fishing
Fishing 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".Boating
The 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 viewing
Wildlife 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
No specific winter activities are detailed, though seasonal access challenges due to frozen lake surfaces are noted.Water Sports
Visitors can fish, boat, and row in the lake, providing opportunities for water-based recreation.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Wood stove provided; visitors must bring their own firewood and adhere to fire safety protocols.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Mainly clear
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.4 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Mainly clear
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are in Ketchikan, approximately 50 air miles from the cabin.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30.
Trash and recyclingGuests must pack out their trash, gear, and food. No formal trash or recycling facilities are available.
Proximity to water featuresSituated on the northeast shore of Reflection Lake, with Short Creek nearby.
Common complaintsUser reviews highlight poor maintenance: 'The dock is in need of some serious help.' 'The toilet hasn’t been pumped in years.' 'The bridge near Short Bay is out.'
Campground Map
, 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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
4 reviews
Reflection Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 4 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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
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...
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
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....
Based on 4 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Reviews consistently reference campsite K15, Loop: AREA REFLECTION LAKE CABIN.
Based on 4 reviewsAccessibility Features
No specific accessibility reviews are noted.
Based on 4 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No reviews specifically addressing pet policies or pet-owner experiences are available.
Based on 4 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025