Vista Trail
About This Trail
Upper Skilak trail was built during the summers of 2000 through 2004 by Student Conservation Association volunteers, and is one of our newest trails. This trail goes through the 1996 Hidden Creek Fire. It was a man-made fire which burned approximately 5,200 acres. There was also a ½ acre burn in 2002 that can be seen
at the bench rest spot along the trail.
SCENIC VIEWS: Views of the Kenai Mountains, Skilak Lake, and the mountains across Cook Inlet can be seen from most of the trail.
OTHER ACTIVITIES: Wildflowers are found in profusion along the trail during the summer, and berry picking is possible for high bush cranberries and raspberries in August. Look for animal sign along the trail, and carry binoculars for birding.
WINTER ACTIVITIES: This trail provides good snowshoeing opportunities, but the road to Upper Skilak Campground is not usually plowed during the winter so access to the trailhead may be limited.
Trail Features
| Surface type | Dirt |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 800 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 trailhead begins directly across the road from the pit toilets on the A-Loop at Upper Skilak Campground. Please park in the boat trailer parking area and walk to the trailhead.
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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Trail Map
About The Guide