USDA Forest Service · Alaska
Reflection Lake Cabin
USDA Forest Service · Alaska, United States
- Sites
- 1
- Hookups
- 1 no hookups
- Season
- Year-round
- Drinking water
- No
- Restrooms
- Yes
- Elevation
- 420 ft
- Dark sky
- Bortle class 1
- Cell coverage
- T-Mobile none · AT&T none · Verizon none (carriers' 4G LTE filings to the FCC, 2025-12; not measured here)
- Lake
- Tongass National Forest
- Nearest town
- KETCHIKAN
- Address
- KETCHIKAN, AK
- Phone
- 907-225-2148
- Activities
- Boating, Camping, Fishing, Hiking, Hunting, Wildlife Viewing
1 numbered sites are mapped one by one - open the site map to pick yours.
About
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.
Fees
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.
Weather, month by month
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | Coldest night | Hottest day | Years with a night below 32°F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 36° | 30° | -14° | 41° | 11 of 11 |
| February | 36° | 27° | 1° | 44° | 11 of 11 |
| March | 38° | 28° | 12° | 50° | 11 of 11 |
| April | 42° | 32° | 18° | 60° | 11 of 11 |
| May | 51° | 39° | 31° | 79° | 1 of 11 |
| June | 56° | 46° | 39° | 77° | 0 of 11 |
| July | 61° | 51° | 46° | 79° | 0 of 11 |
| August | 64° | 54° | 42° | 85° | 0 of 11 |
| September | 59° | 49° | 40° | 74° | 0 of 11 |
| October | 46° | 40° | 27° | 70° | 3 of 10 |
| November | 38° | 31° | 19° | 47° | 9 of 10 |
| December | 34° | 28° | -3° | 44° | 9 of 10 |
Mid-month figures from 2016–2026 of daily weather at this spot (ERA5 reanalysis via Open-Meteo, CC BY 4.0), in °F. Typical is the median; coldest and hottest are the extremes seen.
Nearby campgrounds
- Eagle Lake Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 5 mi · 1 sites
- Anchor Pass Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 7 mi · 1 sites
- Blind Pass Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 9 mi · 1 sites
- Mcdonald Lake Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 11 mi · 1 sites
- Harding River Cabin · USDA Forest Service · 13 mi · 1 sites
All public campgrounds in Alaska · Every state and province · Facts read from the operator 2026-02-25. Confirm fees, rules and current status with the operator before you go.