Skilak Lookout Trail
About This Trail
Skilak Lookout trail passes through the Hidden Creek burn that occurred in May of 1996, which burned 5,200 acres. The trail ends at a rocky area overlooking Skilak Lake. The trail gains elevation gradually, though there are several steep sections near the end of the trail. Most of the trail is dry and in good condition, but it does pass
through several areas which may be wet and muddy. There are lots of high grasses that tend to hang into the trail later in the summer. Sturdy hiking shoes are recommended. Rain gear is recommended on wet days.
SCENIC VIEWS: The view at the end of the trail is spectacular. Skilak Lake, the Kenai Mountains, and the lower portion of the Kenai River can be seen from
here. Don’t forget your camera and binoculars. There are also several good views through the burn area.
CAMPING: There are no established campsites and few areas suitable for tents. No water is available during most of the summer. Backpacking stoves
should be used to reduce impacts.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Berry picking along the trail can be fair to good during late summer and wildlife can be seen throughout the forest. Look for moose,
bears, and songbirds. Wildflowers grow in profusion along the trail and at the trail’s end.
WINTER ACTIVITIES: The trail provides good snowshoeing opportunities during winters with adequate snowfall, but has too many sharp bends for good cross-country skiing.
Trail Features
| Surface type | Dirt |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 700 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
Fee & Parking Details
The parking area 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
The Skilak Lookout trail is located on Skilak Lake Road mile 5.4 from the east entrance junction with the Sterling Highway. It is approximately 3 miles east of Upper Skilak Campground and 2 miles west of Hidden Lake Campground on Skilak Lake Road.
About The Guide