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Alaska: Hike Lost Lake
Find your bliss in the Land of the Midnight Sun by backpacking one of the most scenic trails on the Kenai Peninsula.
What Is It? This 15-mile moderately challenging point-to-point route begins at mile post 5 on the Seward Highway and climbs 2,000 feet. After the first 7.5 miles, you’ll link up with the Primrose Trail on the east side of Lost Lake. Primrose Trail traverses a remarkable alpine ridge full of lakes and vistas. After a couple miles, it descends back into the forest and ends at the Primrose Campground. Though this can be done in a day, we recommend camping at Lost Lake to give yourself more time to take in the forbidding ridges and powerful glaciers nearby.
Why Do It? Over two days, you’ll climb through dense spruce forest, wander through meadows bursting with wildflowers, linger in Dr. Seuss-like hemlock groves, top out on tundra-covered ridges, swim in chilly alpine lakes (if you’re hardy enough), and be enchanted by tremendous views of Lost Lake and towering peaks. Plus, you’ll find yourself enamored with the deep stone chasm harboring the rushing creek. In addition to spectacular scenery, this spot provides opportunities for world-class fishing and unrivaled wildlife viewing—marmots and bears abound.
>Make It Happen: Grab the Hiking Alaska, 2nd edition, by Dean Little Page for info about this and the other best trails in Alaska. Also check the Chugach National Forest Page for info and updates about trail conditions.
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What’s your favorite summer weekend adventure in Alaska?
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Great adventures are all around us—and summer is the ideal time to seek them. To give you some ideas and inspiration, every weekday we will be sharing a different U.S. summer weekend adventure, state-by-state from A to Z. We invite you to share your favorite summer weekend adventures in the comments section below when your favorite state is featured. Report back after the weekend to tell us about the outdoor adventures you had.
