Waterfront
3 reviews
The Red Bay Lake Cabin is praised for its beautiful setting and cabin quality. While the larger rowboat has some minor issues with loose oar locks, it remains functional for paddling. Future visitors may want to plan for multiple nights, as poor weather could complicate the experience.
Based on guest feedback
4.3
Based on 3 reviews
Showing 3 reviews
June 23, 2026 Stayed at: T08, Loop: AREA RED BAY LAKE CABIN
Beautiful cabin and location. Larger rowboat is a little rough with loose oar locks but does the job. Once at the lake, the row took us a full hour with a skilled paddler in decent weather. Will plan for multiple nights on next visit. I think poor weather would make this a much tougher trip.
Helpful
October 26, 2020 Stayed at: T08, Loop: AREA RED BAY LAKE CABIN
This was my 3rd trip to the Red Bay Lake Cabin. We love it there! A few suggestions: Bring a few tools to fix the boat ores!!! The boats are not maintained!!! Our first trip we got stuck in the middle of the lake. Second trip we spent an hour fixing the boat before we could cross the lake and the third trip we had to empty the boat (full of water) and fix the ores! Be prepared for that. There is never enough wood. It is all so wet. We always try to leave a bunch for the next guests, but usually come to nothing. Oh the decks and stairs are extremely slippery!!! Be carful. Other than that we absolutely love the cabin and the lake.
Helpful
January 25, 2020 Stayed at: T08, Loop: AREA RED BAY LAKE CABIN
The wood stove made the 2 night stay cozy during 3 days of heavy rain and wind. Fire wood was brought to supplement locally sourced wood. As usual for the late season there was no fire wood. The sky lights in the roof make this cabin feel bright and roomy. There is plenty of room to sleep a large group or other personalities. The views are spectacular. A great place to chill out. The riparian rain forest at the head of the lake is most interesting and not hard to travel.
Note: The ores for the cabin john boat are in bad shape and head together with duct tape.
Helpful
Po Box 19001, Thorne Bay, AK 99919 United States
Elevation: 44 ft
Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and Petersburg B-4.
The trailhead to access the cabin is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Hollis or 2 hours from Thorne ...
Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessible by float plane or a vehicle/hiking/boating combination. Refer to USGS maps Petersburg A-4 and Petersburg B-4.
The trailhead to access the cabin is approximately a 3.5 hour drive from Hollis or 2 hours from Thorne Bay on Forest Road #20. From the trailhead, the 3/4 mi hike proceeds on a board walk through large cedar trees to a boat provided by the Forest Service on the lake. Visitors must then row 1.5 mi to reach their final destination.
By plane, Red Bay Lake is located 40 air miles from Wrangell, 55 mi from Craig and 84 mi from Ketchikan. Visitors must note, however, that in fall, winter, and early spring, the cabin may be inaccessible as float planes cannot land on the frozen lake surface.Click here for information about reaching Forest Service Cabins.
Inclement weather conditions may cause an extension of your trip during any time of the year and winter access can be difficult due to snow and ice conditions. Guests should bring extra supplies to last 2-5 days Please contact the Thorne Bay Ranger District at 907-828-3304 prior to arrival for more detailed information about safety precautions.
Red Bay Lake Cabin is accessed via Forest Road #20, which connects to the main road system near Thorne Bay. There are no interstates or major highways within 25 miles.
Last updated: November 5, 2026
Our team is here to help you find the perfect spot for your next adventure.
Replies within minutes
Population: 519
Elevation: 20 ft
Best Season: Summer
Thorne Bay, AK
