A Guide to the Lost Lake Hike in Alaska from the Primrose Campground in Seward, Alaska- The Lost Lake hike is the best hike in Alaska, if you only could choose one I would choose this one near the Kenai Fjords National Park. The Lost Lake is super blue and this route takes you through magical rolling hills around the lake. This guide to the Lost Lake will give you all you need to know, the best trail and route, as a through hike, how long and how much time. It will also give you tips on when to go, where to park and what to bring. Don’t miss this trail while in Alaska!
Stats
Length: 13.3 miles round trip (10 miles if you do not go to the lakeshore)
Time: 6-10 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation Gain: 2,578 feet
Trailhead: Primrose Campground
Overview
Other Ways To Hike To Lost Lake
Why Did We Choose via Primrose?
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
When To Go
This hike is open year round. But it is best to go during the summer months. I would plan for between June and October. We went at the end of July and there were still a few spots on the trail with snowing coverings off to the side of the hike.
If you want a clear trail (minimal snow coverings) I would plan for July or August. Other ‘summer months’ could have snow leftover on the trail or it might be starting to snow at the higher elevations. If there is no snow you could be trekking through the mud, come prepared.
Where To Stay
We explored Alaska in a campervan with Million Mile Adventures. But no matter which way you are traveling I listed options for you below.
RV & Tent Camping
We stayed at the Trail River Campground in the Moose Pass area (about a 15 minute drive from Seward). This was a 16 minute drive to the trailhead parking lot. We also looked into staying at Ptarmigan Campground which was right across the street from ours. And if you want to be right at the trailhead then definitely camp at the Primrose Campground. There is also RV camping downtown in Seward.
Hotels or Rental
The best place to stay for access to this trail would be in Seward. There are many accommodations and it is only a 24 minute drive to the Primrose Campground.
You can also easily get here from other towns in Alaska:
Whittier– 1 hour and 29 minute drive
Girdwood– 1 hour and 21 minute drive
Anchorage– 2 hour and 5 minute drive
How Hard Is The Hike?
This hike is achievable for most regular hikers. If you can hike 10 miles and are used to some inclines this is doable. Although the first 5 miles are uphill, it is a steady incline through the forest. Plan for a few water, rest and snack breaks. But it is so worth the effort, this lake on a nice day is breathtaking. It was by far my favorite hike in Alaska.
Other Routes To Hike To Lost Lake
Primrose
The Primrose Trail is 13.3 miles out and back, this is the one that we chose. You see more of the lake from this route as you walk around it as part of the trail.
Bear Creek
The Bear Creek Trail is 13.8 miles out and back. This route will start on the south side of the lake, closer to Seward. You will get views along the way or Resurrection Bay and Seward.
Through Hike
If you have the transportation available I would definitely choose to do this as a thorough hike as you get to see it all!
Why Did We Choose via Primrose?
We chose the Primrose to Lost Lake route because we heard that it is slightly less aggressive. But don’t mistake this, it is still a tough hike. We also felt like this gave us an opportunity to walk along the lake and mountain tops for a bit longer than if we chose the Bear Creek Route.
We only had one car so we also had no option but to do this hike as an out and back. If I went again and had another vehicle or bikes to leave at the end I would gladly love to hike this as a through hike.
The Route
This hike is dog friendly. Make sure that your furry friend stays on the lease. This is a popular mountain biking route, but could be dangerous due to roots in the trail. In the winter this is also a popular snowmobile route.
Parking
To start this hike you will need to park at the Primrose Campground. If not staying at the campground there is a parking lot right before the campground, near the lake shore. This parking lot has vault toilets to use before the hike.
Start
To get to the trailhead you will need to walk a short walk through the Primrose Campground heading towards the left, it’s a small campground so it’s easy to find and a short walk.
At the trailhead there is a trail sign-in box. This is especially important if you are camping overnight or hiking as a thorough hike. We signed in and out for our day hike.
The trail starts through the woods and continues for the first 5 miles. I will admit it is not very scenic or exciting but the end is incredible and well worth it. I would hike it over and over again for the end sights.
You will first start going behind a few residential houses, please be careful to stay on the trail in this area. The trail is super easy to follow as well.
Trail splits a few times, make sure you read the wooden trail marker signs.
From here the trail is consistently uphill. It takes some stamina but it’s do-able as it is a gradual slope. I had to take a few stops and snack breaks but as a novice hiker it was achievable.
Waterfall Detour
About 2 miles up you may hear some water flowing, this is an options 10-15 minute detour. The spur is on the right hand side about100 yards beyond a footbridge over a creek. It is not marked but you’ll know you’re near when you hear the gush of the water. Cross a stream, no bridge. We were unaware of this detour when we hiked but heard it was worth the extra time.
Eventually the woods start to open up around mile 5 and you start to see the lush mountains, open areas, blue skies and eventually Lost Lake. It made the walk uphill worth it immediately, before we could even see the lake.
Once out of the woods the trail is mostly up and down through some soft rolling hills with small ponds. These ponds will not be mistaken for the Lost Lake as the Lost Lake has bright blue tones. You will pass marked campsites that you can scope out if you are planning to camp.
The Lake
We were in awe of this lake. And just wanted to keep walking to see all the angles that we could. We walked for another about 1.5 miles and over a footbridge to make it to the beach to have lunch. Along our way we saw a few people camping next to the lake, it looked so peaceful. You could easily stop this hike much soon making it a shorten hike but we wanted to see it up close and from different angles.
After taking in the views along our walk we stopped at the beach for lunch and to rest our legs. We did notice that the bugs started to become bad at the top. It seemed like more so when we stopped walking or moving. Make sure you bring DEET if you plan to sit down and relax.
I have read before that there are bear lockers and vault toilets at the top, but I did not see any along our hike.
After lunch and some time to take in the views we headed back down the trail. Stopping a few last times to view this incredible lake. Before long we were back in the woods heading back down to the campground parking lot to our campervan.
Tips For The Hike
Leave No Trace
Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.
Be Bear Aware
Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, but did talk to a hiker that said they saw a black bear on the trail ahead of us. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.
Watch For Weather
There is not much storm coverage at the top of this trail. Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike.
Go Early
Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. And maybe even give you a better chance at seeing some wildlife if you are interested in that.
What To Bring
Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle.
Hiking Poles– my husband never used hiking poles but I find them very valuable to me knees for those uphills and downhills at the beginning of and end of this hike.
Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.
Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.
Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack.
Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs. Although we didn’t seem to get bitten by bugs much, we did see lots of mosquitos near the lake when we stopped for lunch.
Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.
Snacks/Food– This is a long hike, we packed many snacks such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruits strips and more. We also packed a sandwich to eat at the top.
Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.
Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like
Exit Glacier & Harding IceField
The Harding IceField Hike is another tough but achievable hike. Plan for all day but is well worth the effort.
Slaughter Gutch
We wanted to do the Slaughter Gutch hike, but it was very rainy the day we had available.
Ptarmigan Lake Trail
Ptarmigan Lake Trail is another super blue lake trail, we didn’t have time to do but had great reviews.
Other Articles You May Be Interested In
Exit Glacier and Harding IceField Hiking Guide
Renting A Campervan in Alaska: Million Mile Adventures
Savage Alpine Trail in Denali National Park
Horseshoe Lake Hike in Denali National Park
What To Do At the Eielson Visitors Center
3 Days In Denali National Park Itinerar
Oh wow, this looks incredible! Definitely adding this to my list of places to see someday when I make it to Alaska. Great photos!
Thanks, it was an incredible hike!