Backpacking Lost Lake Alaska

Adventure Review

Lost Lake Trail

From:  Kenai Lake (Primrose trail), Alaska

To: Seward, Alaska (Lost Lake trail)

Length: 17 miles

Date: July 2013

 

Primrose trailhead

As an Alaska resident it seems fairly frequent that you hear someone mention the Lost Lake trail and how beautiful it is.  Many people saying it is one of the most scenic trails in Alaska.  In July 2013 I had the opportunity to experience this trail first hand.

Preparing for this trip was fairly easy.  We were spending only one night hiking from the south end of Kenai Lake up the Primrose trail to Lost Lake then to Seward spending the night at Lost Lake.  Hiking 17 miles in two days is not a problem for most people.  Even though there is a considerable elevation gain it seems gradual with only a few short steep areas.

The trail is maintained very well being well defined and includes well-built drainages to prevent trail erosion.

About two miles north of Lost Lake

Things to keep in mind:

You can do this hike one-way form Kenai Lake to Seward without shuttling a car.  There are quite a few taxi companies in Seward that will pick you up at the end of the trail (either side) and take you back to your car.  This should cost $30 to $40, plus tip.  Other options are to hike form either trailhead, to the lake, and back.  Or, bring two cars and shuttle.

Camping, near the lake, is in established backpacker campgrounds only.  There seems to be about a dozen campgrounds near or at the lake.  There are “bear proof” cabinets to store food at most of the campgrounds so no need for bear proof barrels or bear bags of you stay in an established campground.

Campsite on small lake located on outlet of Lost Lake

At the time of our trip there was a fire ban and no fires were allowed.  All cooking had to be done with a stove.  We did not see any established fire rings to have fires at any of the campgrounds.

Mountain bikers share this trail.  Don’t be surprised to see bikes quickly come up behind you or around corners.

Runners frequently use this trail many completing a one-way trip in four hours or less.  There is an organized race for trail runners in August of each year.

A camera is a must.

Early morning fog

The Good

• Scenery
• Forest, alpine, scenery
• Food lockers to keep bears away
• More scenery
• Photo opportunities a plenty
• Well maintained trail
• Bonus waterfall on Primrose trail
• Awesome views of Resurrection Bay and Kenai Lake (did I say scenery?)

The So-So

• Fairly busy trail
• Campsites at Lost Lake can fill quickly
• Ridge hiking may be windy
• Fog
• Trail covered in snow in early season

Links

• Running race link - Lost Lake Run
• AK State Info