Hidden Creek Trail
About This Trail
Hidden Creek Trail provides easy access to Skilak Lake and the mouth of Hidden Creek. This trail goes through a burn area that occurred in May of 1996. It was a man-made fire which burned approximately 5,200 acres. The trail divides about halfway in. The section to the west goes directly to Skilak Lake, while the section to the
east passes near the mouth of Hidden Creek. The eastern section is about ½ mile longer than the western section. The two sections meet at Skilak Lake and you can hike along the shore to the west. Both sections may be wet and muddy
and boardwalks may be slippery.
SCENIC VIEWS: There are several views of the Kenai Mountains through the burned areas and excellent views of the Kenai Mountains from the
shore of Skilak Lake.
CAMPING: There are several areas suitable for camping along Skilak Lake and at the mouth of Hidden Creek. This area is often windy; a sturdy tent
is advisable. Firewood is abundant, but backpacking stoves are recommended to reduce human impact. Please remove ALL evidence from your camp before
you leave. Water is available at Hidden Creek and Skilak Lake. Filter or boil water.
FISHING: Fishing along Skilak Lake and the Kenai River area can be fair to good. Check fishing regulations before you go.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Berry-picking can be good in late summer. This is also an excellent area to see wildlife. Look for eagles, moose, river otter, beaver,
and other animals.
WINTER ACTIVITIES: The trail provides good snowshoeing during winters with good snow cover, but the return trip is all up-hill.
Trail Features
| Surface type | Dirt |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 300 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | Spotty |
| Pet friendly | Yes |
| Nearby convenience store | No |
| Camping Nearby | No |
| Emergency support within 5 miles |
No |
Trail highlights
Other Trails in Kenai National Wildlife Refuge
Fee & Parking Details
The parking lot is on the north side of the road and the trail begins on the south side.
Trail Contributor
Lacey Stock is the Kenai Peninsula Branch Ambassador (16,000 square miles) in Alaska for Hike it Baby. She is also a volunteer on the Technical Support Team and Calendar Team for Hike it Baby. She has visited 49 out of the 50 United States and hopes to hit Hawaii in the near future. She has enjoyed hiking all her life and hopes to instill that same value and love in her three daughters (Rebekah (6), Hannah (4), and Esther (2).) Originally from Katy Texas (Near Houston), she now resides in Nikiski Alaska. Lacey owns her own yoga studio and volunteers on two local boards (Kenai Little League and Nikiski Senior Service Area). She also is a fulltime college student currently with a Associates of Technology in Process Technology and pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Social Sciences with concentrations in Anthropology, Government & Political Science, and Economics. She is a homeschooling mom as well and loves to take her kiddos on “fieldtrips” around the country where you can almost always find them hiking during the trip.
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Weather
Trail Map
Getting There
Hidden Creek Trail is located on Skilak Lake Road 4.6 miles from the East Entrance junction with the Sterling Highway. It is approximately 1 mile west of Hidden Lake Campground.
About The Guide