Lost Lake

The Chugach National Forest is the western most and northern most National Forest in the United States. It is comprised of 5.5 million acres of Alaskan forest, making it the second-largest national forest in the country (after Tongass National Forest, also in Alaska). The Seward Ranger District encompasses the western most 890,000 acres of the Forest and it is one of three ranger districts in Chugach National Forest, covering much of the eastern Kenai Peninsula, including areas near the towns of Seward, Moose Pass, and Cooper Landing. It’s one of the most visited and accessible parts of the forest due to its proximity to Anchorage and the Seward Highway (AK-9).

This hike to Lost Lake starts in this area in the lush valleys surrounding Seward, AK. The Lost Lake Trail gains elevation quickly, and in short time you clear the tree line and reach the open meadows and snowy ridges near Lost Lake. On our hike, we camped here then continued on the Primrose Trail to finish our hike at Kenai Lake.  If you are looking for an alternative to tent camping there is a USFS hut a few miles before you reach the campsite at the lake. Make sure to book your reservations well in advance. The cabin often books up in the busy summer months.