Recreation area

McKinley Lake

Chugach National Forest · Alaska — managed by USDA Forest Service

Open recreation area — no reservation needed

About this campground

This well maintained 2.7 mile trail winds its way through mature spruce-hemlock forest and ends at the north end of McKinley Lake. Several bridges allow hikers easy crossing over small streams. This trail also provides access to two public use recreation cabins. McKinley Trail Cabin (100 yards beyond the trailhead sign) and McKinley Lake Cabin (at the end of the trail). A rough, unmaintained trail continues for 1/4 mile past the lake cabin and accesses the remains of the Lucky Strike Mine. Interpretive signs guide visitors through the history and remains of the abandoned mine and mining camp. Midway, Pipeline Lakes Trail joins McKinley Trail for an optional loop. Length: 2.7 miles USGS Map: Cordova (B-4) Click here to download map and additional information

Activities

  • HIKING

Nearby federal campgrounds

Explore more Alaska camping

McKinley Lake doesn't take campsite reservations — but plenty of nearby Alaska campgrounds do, and we'll alert you the moment a sold-out site opens up.

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Details from Recreation.gov's official RIDB catalog. Conditions change — confirm with the managing office before you go. Not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.