🌤 Weather at Settlers Cove State Recreation Site by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 32–58 °F | 48–65 °F | 35–59 °F | 31–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Ketchikan 10N, 5 mi away, elevation 295 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Ketchikan’s Rainforest Beach — Sandy Cove on Clover Passage, Lunch Falls Loop Trail, Tongass Temperate Rainforest, Public-Use Cabin, Pink Salmon in August
Settlers Cove State Recreation Site is a 275-acre state recreation site at Milepost 18 North Tongass Highway, approximately 18 miles north of Ketchikan, Alaska. The site features a rare sandy beach on Clover Passage, Lunch Falls Loop Trail (1 mile), Lunch Creek Trail (3.5 miles), temperate rainforest with Red Cedar/Western Hemlock/Sitka Spruce, a 13-site campground, a reservable public-use cabin, two reservable picnic shelters, ADA beach access, pink salmon viewing in August, and kayaking in Clover Passage.
Settlers Cove is one of Southeast Alaska’s hidden gems — a rare sandy beach nestled in a cove on Clover Passage, surrounded by lush Tongass temperate rainforest. The Lunch Falls Loop Trail (1 mile) leads through towering Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, and Sitka Spruce to a waterfall viewing deck. The Lunch Creek Trail extends 3.5 miles into US Forest Service land. In August, pink salmon run up Lunch Creek, drawing bears and eagles. A 13-site campground and reservable public-use cabin offer overnight stays.
Things to Do
Beach & Water
- Sandy beach — Clover Passage
- Kayaking
- Shore fishing
- Beachcombing
Trails
- Lunch Falls Loop — 1 mi, waterfall deck
- Lunch Creek Trail — 3.5 mi into USFS
- ADA beach access — Hollow Cedar Trail
Wildlife
- Pink salmon run — August in Lunch Creek
- Bears + eagles
- Temperate rainforest
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | MP 18 N Tongass Hwy, 18 mi N of Ketchikan |
| Acreage | 275 acres |
| Beach | Sandy — rare in Ketchikan area |
| Forest | Tongass temperate rainforest |
| Campground | 13 sites — RVs up to 35 ft |
| Cabin | Public-use — reservable |
| Shelters | 2 — reservable picnic |
| Salmon | Pink salmon in Lunch Creek — August |
| Gate | Locked at night — check hours |
| Coordinates | 55.5113° N, 131.7272° W |
Visitor Tips
- Rare beach: Sandy beaches are extremely rare in the Ketchikan area — Settlers Cove is the exception.
- August salmon: Visit in August to watch pink salmon run up Lunch Creek — bears and eagles follow.
- Rainforest trails: The Lunch Falls Loop is a stunning 1-mile walk through old-growth rainforest to a waterfall viewing deck.
- Gate hours: The entrance gate locks at night — check seasonal hours before camping.
- Kayak access: Clover Passage offers sheltered saltwater kayaking from the beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a sandy beach near Ketchikan Alaska?
Yes — Settlers Cove State Recreation Site, 18 miles north of Ketchikan on the North Tongass Highway, features a rare sandy beach on Clover Passage surrounded by temperate rainforest. The 275-acre site offers the Lunch Falls Loop Trail (1 mile to waterfall), 13 campsites, a reservable public-use cabin, ADA beach access, and pink salmon viewing in Lunch Creek during August. Kayaking and shore fishing available.
Last updated: May 2026
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Refuge Cove State Recreation Site (a short drive away) or Totem Bight State Park (a short drive away).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Settlers Cove State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
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