Hideout Trail
About This Trail
Hideout Trail was built during the summers of 1999 and 2000 by Student Conservation Association volunteers, and is one of our newest trails. It has numerous switchbacks, and most roots and rocks have been removed. The trail ascends gradually over most of its length, but several portions are moderately steep.
The trail ends on a rocky outcrop. Please avoid disturbing plants in this rocky outcrop area. They are easily destroyed because they are shallowly rooted in rocky soil. Please walk and sit only on exposed rock in this area. No campfires here, please. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. This Trail is good for a kid with some stamina.
SCENIC VIEWS: Almost the entire length of the trail affords excellent views of the upper Kenai River, including the eastern half of Skilak Lake, and the entire Kenai River Canyon. Be sure to take along your camera and binoculars.
CAMPING: There are no established campsites along this trail. Any camping must be done ¼ mile from Skilak Lake Road. Please use a backpacking stove to reduce impacts. Carry enough water since none is available in this area after snowmelt.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: The entire mountainside along the trail is carpeted with wildflowers in season, with fireweed blooming in profusion from mid to late summer. Berry picking is possible for high-bush cranberries and red raspberries. The Pothole Lake wildfire burned through the area (in 1991), so there are few trees to block your
view. Keep your eyes open for wildlife; moose and bear frequent this area.
WINTER ACTIVITIES: During winters with adequate snow cover the trail provides good snowshoeing opportunities.
Trail Features
| Surface type | Dirt |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 850 ft. |
| Stroller friendly | No |
| ADA accessible | No |
| Water fountains | No |
| Bathrooms | No |
| Cell reception | None |
| 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
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
The trailhead is on the north side of Skilak Lake Road, approximately 1.25 miles east of the turnoff to Hidden Lake Campground. Also, it is approximately 1.9 miles west of the east junction of Skilak Road/Sterling Highway.
About The Guide