Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Your Virtual Guide to Adventure Outdoors!
Welcome to the
Chugach National Forest, Alaska:
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LOST LAKE TRAIL
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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