Settlers Cove State Recreation Site
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
