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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.
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.
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. NOTE: Firewood may be available, but visitors are encouraged to contact the Ketchikan Misty Fjords Ranger District to check the status of the woodshed. 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).
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](http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=livingwithbears.bearcountry)). A variety of birds may be spotted in or near the lake.
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.
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.
Easy hike around the lake. There is a Viewpoint station if you don't mind heights/stairs. Beautiful views. Lots of area to explore and you can see the occasional wildlife
Wonderful little trail around the lake. Sadly it's become quite popular and you can no longer make the trip around without seeing someone else. The trail is easy and only about a mile long. So it's easy for kids. There is a viewing tower as well.
Very nice lake and walk! Beautiful views. And very easy - it's flat, and takes 30 minutes to go around the loop if you're walking at a slow pace.
There's also an observation deck for looking for animals, but we didn't see any animals. The views from the top of the deck are not any better than about halfway through the walk, where you're looking across the lake to the mountains.
