Lost Lake Trail

Lost Lake Trail is a 7.3-mile hiking route in Chugach National Forest and a segment of the Iditarod National Historic Trail from mile 5 Seward Highway to Lost Lake.

The trail climbs gradually through dense spruce forest for the first ~2 miles before opening up onto subalpine meadows and brush.

After about 4 miles, it enters wet meadows and hemlock groves, then continues up to an alpine ridge crest around 6 miles.

From the ridge you get the first views of Lost Lake; the route then descends and follows rolling alpine terrain around the east side of the lake until it meets the Primrose Trail.

Typical one-way trip time is 3–4 hours, with about 1,920 feet of elevation gain; it’s rated moderate in summer and more difficult in winter.

Heavy winter snow can linger at higher elevations into mid-July, and the trail has seasonal restrictions: motorized vehicle closures May 1–Nov. 30 and pack/saddle stock closures April 1–June 30.

Lost Lake camping is recommended at designated campsites around the lake (with some sites having bear boxes and pit toilets); avoid camping on the Lost Lake peninsulas to protect tundra regrowth. Fires are prohibited in alpine areas, and camping is managed with Leave No Trace principles (pack out trash, bury waste properly, and stay out of sensitive areas).

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