SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA4
SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA2
SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA5
SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA
SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA1

About Salmon Lake Cabin Sitka

Salmon Lake Cabin sits on the east shore of Salmon Lake on Baranof Island, 11 mi southeast of Sitka, Alaska. The cabin was built in 1998 by volunteers from the U.S. Coast Guard. This remote site is generally accessible year-round by boat to Silver Bay, then walking 2 mi along the Salmon Lake-Redoubt Lake Trail. The cabin can also be accessed via float plane, a 10-minute ride from Sitka. Visitors are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring their own amenities.

Activities & Attractions

Nearby

Boating

Boating

Spring Summer Fall
Fishing

Fishing

Year-round
Hiking

Hiking

Year-round

Seasonal information

2026 (Current year)

2026 Season availability

Current season
Upcoming seasons
Past seasons
Closed periods
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Currently open - Nov 1 to Dec 31

Campground Amenities

Water Access

Water Access

  • Lake Access
  • Boat Ramp / Launch
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S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

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Site Details

Up to 6 guests
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Reviews

14 reviews

Summary

AI generated

The Salmon Lake Cabin is a cozy and well-maintained retreat, perfect for a short getaway. Guests enjoy exploring the excellent trails and the fun little boat available. It's a magical spot that visitors love to return to annually, though it's recommended to bring extra supplies for comfort.

Based on guest feedback

4.8

Overall rating

Based on 14 reviews

Write a review
5 stars 78.6% (11)
4 stars 21.4% (3)
3 stars 0.0% (0)
2 stars 0.0% (0)
1 star 0.0% (0)

Showing 14 reviews

Cameron L

Verified

January 17, 2020 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Super spot, good seaplane dock, firewood supply excellent, nearby hiking super ...a canoe would be fantastic..

Helpful

David S

Verified

September 9, 2020 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Great cabin and location to explore. Our trip was 8/29/20 through 9/4/20. The trail from the cabin to the estuary takes about 1 hour (give or take 15 minutes) at a normal/average pace. There are a few wet/mucky spots along the way. There is another trail along a large part of Salmon Creek which is also in good condition. If you take a boat motor, as this site says: take a long shaft outboard. We rented a short/medium shaft and it made boating a little bit of a challenge. However, the lake is beautiful and rowable at less than a mile long (a little over 4 ft). We fished both of the prominent inlet streams and caught fish in both, mainly the primary creek (Salmon Creek). Unfortunately we did not have an opportunity to explore the stream further above the lake or hike over to Redoubt Lake. Most of the salmon were caught at the outlet; however, it rained a lot which may have affected fishing at the inlet more so. We caught Silver Salmon, Pinks, Dollies (several 2 to 4 lb) and a few good sized Cutthroat (only 5) in the lake. From the lake to the ocean, the river was covered (Swamped) with Pink, Chum and Coho salmon. I hiked to the ocean and was able to use my cell phone there only. The wood stove is a beast (not so great) and the supplied fresh/ moist wood does not burn well. However, this is a great location that I would like to explore earlier or later in the year next time and go for trout and Steelhead. We took a Cessna 206 (10 minute flight) in to the lake however a water taxi would be fine and much more cost effective for those who pack lite.

Helpful

Maia S

Verified

February 21, 2021 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Wonderful cabin experience. Stove worked well (except we weren't 100% sure on which settings kept air flow steady!). Amazing hike out. Can't wait to get back out there!

Helpful

Aurora T

Verified

February 25, 2021 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Beautiful destination and an easy hike, 1.5 mi one way to the cabin from the trailhead / mooring buoy. I stayed in mid February and the lake was completely frozen over, we tried to ice fish with no luck. Lots of wood for splitting in the shed despite not being maintained in the winter. A couple decks of cards and pans left there for use. Warm and comfy stay! Would highly recommend staying here. The boat ride through Silvery Bay can be windier than you expect, but we made it there in ~45 minutes with a 25hp outboard.

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Reid W

Verified

January 24, 2022 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Hard to beat it. Snow was much heavier in the narrow valley than in town. Highly recommend skipping the first part of the trail by paddling up into the estuary at high tide.

Helpful

Brenda B

Verified

August 19, 2022 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Such a beautiful spot! Cabin was left very clean for us which we appreciated. Seems like firewood may run out/down so plan accordingly. New flat bottom boat great for fishing. Lots of bear scat so be prepared. Loved it!

Helpful

Matthew R

Verified

September 21, 2022 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Awesome, dry, and clean cabin! The wood stove worked well, although with high relative humidity it was difficult to dry our gear out even with the stove running all night. If rain is in the forecast it's definitely worthwhile to bring extra base layers. A few of the bug screens could use replacement, but that wasn't a big issue for us.

Lot of bear sign on the trail up to the cabin, but thankfully we did not encounter any bears. Boat looked to be in nice shape although we did not use it. Hike to the muskeg is flat and straightforward following the trail, hike to the alpine southeast of the cabin is a steep bushwhack with only game trails to follow, we found it easiest to start north of the cabin and work our way southeast.

Helpful

Peter G

Verified

August 16, 2023 Stayed at: S18, Loop: AREA SALMON LAKE CABIN SITKA

Great location and facility. Lake could be to0 short for a heavily loaded aircraft. I cleaned the windows, emptied the stove ashes, took out a considerable amount of trash, and swept accumulated dirt from under the bunks. Unfortunately your "guests" aren't good at helping take care of the facility.

Helpful

Location & Directions for Salmon Lake Cabin Sitka

Sitka Ranger District, Sitka, AK 99835 United States

Elevation: 8 ft

Getting There

Accessible nearly year round, depending on mode of access. Located 11 mi southeast of Sitka on Baranof Island, approximately 10 minutes by floatplane.

Access by boat from Sitka to Silver Bay is 10 mi, and a 2-mile trail leads to the cabin. Trail ...

Nearest town

Sitka, AK - 14 mi

About 44 min to downtown

Policies & Rules

General

  • This facility is located in an extremely remote and wild area; before making a reservation, become aware of bear, water, and weather safety (including cold)
  • Recreating in Alaska can present both obvious and hidden dangers; please be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for extended stays due to occasionally poor weather
  • Plan arrival and departure during high tide, unload gear at east shore at estuary head, then tie up boat at mooring buoy
  • Cabin may be inaccessible by plane from November through early April due to frozen lake surface (floatplanes cannot land); please contact the local Forest Service Ranger District office for current information prior to making reservations during this period
  • Cabin may also be inaccessible by boat as the head of Silver Bay may freeze mid-November through mid-February
  • Cabin not maintained in the winter
  • For boat or air charters, contact the Sitka Convention and VisitorsBureau at 907-747-5940 or www.Sitka.org
  • Boil or treat lake water before drinking
  • Pack out all garbage and food
  • Rain gear is recommended
  • Firewood may be scarce
  • Click here to learn more about Tongass National Forest
  • Check out the forest's campground description for specific information to Fish Your National Forest
  • Don't Move Firewood: Prevent the spread of tree-killing pests by purchasing firewood near your destination and burning it on-site. For more information visit dontmovefirewood.org.
  • The invasive European Green Crab (EGC) has been found in southern Southeast Alaska and is suspected to be in more locations on the Tongass National Forest. Please actively look for and report EGC to help map the distribution and contribute to management.

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Last updated: November 4, 2026

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