Carter and Crescent Lake

Name: Carter and Crescent Lake
Rating: 10

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The hike on the Carter and Crescent Lake Trail is a beautiful route in Alaska, Kenai Peninsula. This hike takes you to the beautiful Crescent Lake through the family-friendly trail along Carter Lake. The tranquility of this place is truly magical and the views of beautiful mountains, expansive meadows and sea of flowers are guaranteed!

Route Description for Carter and Crescent Lake

The beautiful hike to Carter and Crescent Lake is on the easier side compared to other hikes near Anchorage. It’s still a brilliant hike with incredible views.

To make your day-hike to Crescent and Carter Lakes 100% enjoyable, you must be aware of a couple of things. Firstly, some parts of the trail can get a bit slick after rainy days, so we advise wearing good waterproof footwear to keep your feet dry and avoid slipping. Secondly, in August, some parts of the trail get overgrown. The path is still quite easy to see, but we advise covering your legs to avoid cow parsnip rash!

The Carter and Crescent Lake Trail starts at Carter Lake Trailhead Parking. The hardest part of the hike will start straight away and the path through the forest will soon get steeper and start switchbacking through the wildflowers and berry bushes. Don’t let it scare you as the hike won’t get any harder than this.

Soon you will emerge from the forest and the trail will even out. The path will become quite mellow and you will be able to enjoy the expansive views of the meadows and surrounding white mountain peaks as you approach the beautiful Carter Lake.

Lots of hikers turn around after visiting Crater Lake as the Crater Lake Trail ends here, but we strongly suggest continuing on to visit the beautiful Crescent Lake, which is really close.

Continue on the path along Carter Lake’s western side and you will shortly start approaching Crescent Lake through a pleasant trail along the drainage divide. There will be several small paths leading to the hilly area with a beautiful overlook of the northeast side of the lake.

Approaching Crescent Lake the atmosphere there is truly magical! After having a picnic near the lake, make your way back by taking the same path you came.

Find other amazing hikes around Anchorage:

Insider Hints for Carter and Crescent Lake

Take your fishing rod and tent with you as there are several nice spots near the lake to camp and fish
Visit Moose Pass – a beautiful community nearby where you can get nice cup of coffee and enjoy beautiful views of Trail Lake
If you can, hike this trail in spring to enjoy the sea of flowers

Getting to the Carter and Crescent Lake Trailhead

Take the Seward Highway (AK-1) from Anchorage towards south and go around 144.8 km, then continue straight to State Highway 9 (Seward). After 7.2 km you will see the sign ‘Carter Lake Trail’ on your right. Take this turn and park your car there.