Salmon Bay Lake Cabin
03 reviewsSALMON BAY LAKE CABIN, PO BOX 19001, THORNE BAY, AK 99919, USA
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin
$25.00 - $40.00 / 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
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 reservation modifications ($10) and cancellations ($10).
About this campground
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.
Weather and SeasonsExperience 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.
ElevationNestled along the gentle shores of Salmon Bay Lake, the cabin rests at water's edge where the forest meets the lake in perfect harmony, creating an intimate connection with the surrounding wilderness.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to the gentle lapping of lake waters against rolling, forest-draped shores, where massive Sitka spruce, western hemlock, and red cedar create a living cathedral overhead. This pristine ecosystem pulses with life—watch elegant waterfowl glide across mirror-still morning waters while bald eagles patrol from their lofty perches. Keep your camera ready for encounters with graceful Sitka black-tailed deer browsing the shoreline, and maintain a respectful distance from the magnificent black bears that call these ancient woods home.
Geological RegionDiscover the heart of the world's largest intact temperate rainforest on northern Prince of Wales Island, where the legendary Tongass National Forest showcases nature's grandest architecture. Here, centuries-old spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees rise like pillars from the moss-carpeted earth, creating an emerald wilderness that represents one of Earth's last great forest frontiers.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific accessibility features are mentioned, and visitors must hike a challenging trail to access the cabin.
Sites SizeThe cabin can accommodate up to six people and is suitable for small groups.
Sites PrivacyThe cabin is situated in a secluded area surrounded by old-growth spruce, hemlock, and cedar trees.
Total Campsites1 campsites
Recommended CampsitesBring heavy packs for the hike, seasoning for cooking fish, and personal flotation devices for boating.
Best CampsitesThe cabin itself is the sole campsite.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
The cabin sleeps up to 6 people.
Groups
Group camping sites are not available. The cabin is designed for individual or small group use.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSingle cabin with amenities for up to six people.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen season is May 1 to December 31 annually.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySame-day reservations are available online for this cabin; walk-up availability is not applicable.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations prior to the day of arrival incur a $10 fee plus additional fees for late cancellation (first night fee forfeited if canceled fewer than 14 days before arrival).
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
Firewood available
Lodging and accommodations
Vault toilets
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.
Hiking
The 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.Fishing
Fishing 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.Swimming
Swimming is possible during the summer months when the sandy beach outside the cabin receives southern sun exposure.Boating
An aluminum skiff with oars is available for boating. Visitors may bring a long shaft motor and must supply their own personal flotation devices.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings may include eagles, Sitka black-tailed deer, black bears, and various waterfowl.Beach activities
The cabin features a large sandy beach suitable for beachcombing and sunbathing during warmer months.Winter Activities
Winter access to the cabin can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions, but specific winter recreation activities are not detailed.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as rowing and paddling using the provided skiff are available.Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Firewood may be available but cannot be guaranteed. Visitors must conserve wood and rely on cook stoves for meal preparation.
Hazards
General hazardsWildlife 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 forecast
68
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Strong wind, exercise caution
Humidity: 56%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 8.7 mph
Strong wind, exercise caution
Clear sky
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
Thorne Bay Ranger District, reachable at 907-828-3304.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 1 - September 30
Trash and recyclingVisitors must pack out all garbage and food waste, as trash and recycling facilities are not provided.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on Salmon Bay Lake, with an aluminum skiff provided for access.
Common complaintsUser reviews mention trail conditions being muddy and slippery, and issues with reservation conflicts.
HostNo host information provided.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Salmon Bay Lake Cabin has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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 3 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...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
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 3 reviewsPro 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 3 reviewsSeasonal 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 3 reviewsCamper 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...
Based on 3 reviewsShow more
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 3 reviewsAccessibility Features
No reviews specifically address accessibility features.
Based on 3 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
No specific reviews about pet experiences or policies are provided.
Based on 3 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025