The gain characteristics of a microchannel plate (MCP) operated in the reflection mode are measured for positive ions with energies between 100 and 300 eV. Singly charged alkali ions emitted thermionically are used as the incident ions. The gain in the reflection mode is found to be higher than that in the conventional transmission mode. A preacceleration for the penetrating ions into the channels is responsible for the high gain obtainable. This result suggests the potential usefulness of a MCP operated in the reflection mode for the detection of low‐energy positive ions.