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Chugach National Forest, Alaska:
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LOST LAKE TRAIL
- USGS MAP: Seward A7, B7
- TRAIL BEGINS: Mile 5 Seward Highway
- TRAIL ENDS: Lost Lake
- DIFFICULTY: Experienced - more difficult,
(Advanced - expert rider)
- USE: Hiking, Mountain Biking
- LENGTH: 7.5 miles (one-way)
- ONE WAY TRIP TIME: 3 - 4 hrs
- CONDITION: Good, (poor, off park trails)
- RECOMMENDED SEASON: All year
- ELEVATION GAIN: 1820 feet
ACCESS:
The Lost Lake trailhead is located at Mile 5 on the
Seward Highway, at the gravel pit adjacent to the Bear Creek Volunteer Fire Department.
TRAIL GRADE/CONDITION:
Some relatively steep sections with trail in
poor condition in the first couple miles, (portages for bikes). Reasonably well maintained
thereafter. The trail splits the
first mile into a "hiker's" & "snowmobile" trails. They climb
separately, but parallel for the most part; the snowmobile trail is much less maintained. Steep climbs all along
the way. Trail somewhat narrow in sections. Drainages all along the trail. Be prepared for
some serious bunny-hopping and technical sections on bike.
HISTORY:
The Lost Lake Trail was constructed by miners in
the early 1920's to provide access to mining claims in the area. The trail eventually
became popular for hiking and in 1954 was incorporated into the National Forest trail
system.
RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES:
Lost Lake Trail is a scenic hike, (and challenging
ride), with a spectacular view
of the surrounding mountains and high alpine terrain. Edible
berries are found along the trail in August, near mile 4 - 5.
The trail is popular year round with hiking,
mountain biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling the usual activities. The trail
travels through spruce forests
until reaching timberline around mile 4. Weather is unpredictable in the area, and
whiteout conditions can be encountered in any season.
Wildlife include black and brown bear, mountain goat, moose and marmots. Hunting
is tightly regulated with limited permits available. Please contact the Alaska Department
of Fish and Game hunting and fishing regulations.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS:
Avoid hypothermia -- be prepared for rapid changes
in weather. Boil surface water 5 minutes before drinking. Biting insects are prevalent in
summer -- bring repellent. Bear and moose can be dangerous -- use caution. Remember to
pack out your trash. Contact a U.S. Forest Service office for more information to these
safety items.
Lost Lake Trail Right-of-Way:
Because the Chugach National Forest has been unable
to obtain a right-of-way across the private land the first 2/3 of a mile the Lost Lake
trail crosses, the trailhead and trail access from Mile 5 of the Seward Highway will no
longer be maintained by the Forest Service. According to Seward District Ranger Duane
Harp, "Forest Service signs and other improvements have been removed from he
trailhead and until an alternative right-of-way is acquired and a new facility
constructed, public access to Lost Lake will be via Primrose Trail starting at Primrose
Campground," The campground is located 1.3 miles off the Seward Highway at Mile 17.2.
People wishing to use the old Lost Lake Trailhead
and parking area should contact Harbor View Partnership, c/o Alaskan Real Estate, Inc.,
1343 G Street, Suite # I, Anchorage 99501 or at 2742634 for permission to use the trail.
Unfortunately, a right-of-way across the two
private parcels at the trail's beginning was not pursued at that time. In 1970, The Forest
Service began to negotiate with each of the landowners to obtain easements across their
properties. During negotiations, the ownership of both parcels changed several times and
easements were never finalized. Currently the private lands that trail crosses are
included in the Harbor View Subdivision and the Lost Lake Subdivision.
The owners of the Harbor View Subdivision had
previously offered to sell or exchange two subdivision lots to the Forest Service, but
their offer was not considered to be in the public's interest. Recently, after
investigating 11 alternatives, it was decided to negotiate relocation of the trailhead and
first portion of the trail onto Lost Lake Subdivision property. Harp says, "The
negotiation process to acquire a trailhead and trail easement may take a year or more and
the construction of the new trailhead and trail another year. While users of the trail
will be Inconvenienced until the new trailhead and trail completed, this alternative has
the advantage of keeping the trail access close to Seward and means only one parcel of
private land will be encumbered, rather than two."
Additional information regarding this matter may be
obtained by contacting District Ranger Harp or District Lands Officer Deidre St. Louis at
224-3374.
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