DESTINATION Skilak Lookout Trail 1 Photoset
2025-08-03 | |
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| Hiking | 4.40 Miles |
904 AEG |
| | Hiking | 4.40 Miles | 4 Hrs 23 Mns | | 1.00 mph |
| 904 ft AEG | | | | |
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| no partners | | This was an afternoon out-and-back hike to a viewpoint providing amazing views of Skilak Lake and the mountains in the distance on the southeast side of the lake. The lake is in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge and the most distant mountain peaks seen to the southeast are in the Kenai Fjords National Park. With me on this hike were Mrs OH and our 14 year-old Grandson.
The trailhead is located 5.3 miles off the Sterling Highway on a well packed dirt/gravel road that was well graded with only a few minor potholes. There is a small parking lot that holds a maximum of about 8-10 cars across the road from the trailhead. On this day with no rain in the forecast, the parking lot was nearly full. Mrs OH, who has an extreme fear of bears, was happy to see the many hikers on the trail.
The trail was in good condition partly due to the lack of heavy rains in the preceding few days. There was evidence of recent maintenance including placing boards across some of the muddiest areas. The thick growth of bushes and small trees closed in on the trail adding credence to Route Scout's warning to "Be careful, it's a jungle out there". The thick growth along most of the trail increased one's appreciation of the few distant views occurring through gaps in the foliage. But, the lush greenery with frequent small patches of wild flowers and bright red berries made up for the lack of the views. The hikers, who passed us on their way back to the TH, all said "Keep going, it's worth it". As we neared the end of the trail, it broke out into the open at the hilltop viewpoint. Yes, we agreed, it was definitely worth it. |
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Wildflowers Observation Moderate
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