Reflection Lake Cabin

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 this corner of Alaska. It 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, and visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety. Fishing, boating, hiking and hunting are popular options at this cabin. Steelhead and salmon runs occur in Short Creek, and resident trout and Dolly Varden are available in the lake. 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 the cabin — the bridge near Short Bay is out, so hikers must be prepared to ford the stream, which is only possible during low water. The 12-by-14-foot 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, a broom, a 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, so visitors must bring their own supply; water is also available from a nearby creek and should be treated before drinking or cooking with it. Visitors should also bring bedding, cooking gear, lighting, food and all other supplies, and rain gear and boots are recommended. Visitors are expected to pack out their trash, gear and food and clean the cabin before leaving. The cabin sits in a 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, and a variety of birds may be spotted in or near the lake.