Lost Lake
- Physical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the physical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
- Technical DifficultyThis is the average user-submitted rating on the technical difficulty of this route. In general, green is beginner, blue is intermediate, black is advanced/most difficult and double-black is expert-only. It is recommended that users build up to black and double-black routes.
Lost Lake Trail is a wonderful day-hike in Alaska that leads to the secluded Lost Lake, surrounded by meadows full of wildflowers and Kenai Mountains. This hike is not very difficult, but quite long. You can make it into a nice backpacking trip as camping near the lake is permitted in the designated sites. Also, this trail is one of few that are accessible all year long and cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in the surrounding areas.
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Route Description for Lost Lake
The Lost Lake hike is a tough one. Although being quite long, this trail is not technical or hard. The expansive views of Lost Lake and the surrounding tarns will take your breath away and, if you can’t get enough, you can make this hike to Lost Lake a backpacking trip. Beware of the mountain bikers!
You will find the trailhead at the western part of the car park. Emerge the beautiful mossy spruce forest on a comfortable forest path with occasional roots and slow elevation gain.
Soon you will reach the junction where you will be able to choose from the Summer Trail of Winter Trail. Either of these will get you to the Lost Lake, but we prefer Summer Trail, as it’s elevation gain is gentler and the trail itself is less muddy. There’s one downside though – you’ll miss the lovely Dale Clemens Cabin, which is built along Winter Trail.
After a couple of miles, occasional rocks and pebbles will start appearing on your path and you will notice surroundings slowly shifting to berry bushes.
Soon you will reach a junction where Summer and Winter Trails connect, you need to keep left. If you want to visit the Dale Clemens Cabin go right and you’ll reach it in 2.8 km.
Soon you will start emerging from the forest into a beautiful meadow on a good path. High alpine terrain and views will start opening up.
Continue straight and soon you will see the magic Lost Lake and the surrounding tarns. The atmosphere here is magical – the views of the lakes, high alpine meadows and surrounding peaks are just breathtaking.
Approach the lake and the trail will start ascending as you’re getting close. The big mountain on your left – Mt. Ascension. Explore the shores to spot some of the bird species that found home in this secluded area, such as ptarmigan, American pipits, and Gray-crowned rosy-finches. This area is also a home for some big mammals, such as grizzlies, black bears and moose.
Return the same way you came.
Find other amazing hikes around Anchorage:
Insider Hints for Lost Lake
- Spend a night at Dale Clemens Cabin. Make sure to reserve!
- There are numerous ways to hike to Lost Lake, but this trail is our favorite. You can also hike to Lost Lake via Primrose Trail (east of the lake) or make it a one-way 22.0 km hike by starting your hike at Lost Lake Trailhead and finishing it at Primrose Campground.
- Avoid camping at peninsulas of Lost Lake and surrounding tarns as it’s now forbidden to allow revegetation.
- Consider staying at Angels Rest if you prefer great waterfront lodging and beautiful scenery.
Getting to the Lost Lake Trailhead
Approach Seward Village by heading south on AK-1, then State Highway 9. Take a turn on your right to Scott Way (in Bear Creek) around 8.0 km before reaching Seward. Then, follow sings pointing to Lost Lake Trailhead and you will find the parking shortly.
Route Information
Lost Lake Elevation Graph
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