Carter Lake Trail
3.4-mile hiking trail to Carter and Crescent Lakes. It is a short but steep climb (first 1.5 miles) through spruce/hemlock forest to a wide subalpine valley of meadows surrounded by mountains. Snow can remain in this area until early June. This trail is well maintained but expect muddy conditions during the spring and after rainfall.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
ALERT: Summer access is difficult from this trail to the west end Crescent Lake on the primitive trail.
Usage: Medium-Heavy
Best Season: year-round
Closest Towns: Seward, Alaska
Water: Streams and Lake
This trail provides access to sub-alpine and alpine country after 1.5 miles of travel. This is a good trail for day hiking. Multi-day trip with tent camping at designated campsites. Good winter access for alpine activities though the trail may be difficult to travel in the steep sections. For a longer hike it is 17.7 miles from the Carter Lake trailhead to Crescent Creek trailhead via the Crescent Lake Primitive trail, which includes the Crescent Saddle cabin. It is 7 miles from Carter Lake Trailhead to Crescent Saddle Cabin.
During steep first half of trail, hiker passes through hemlock forests with alder and willow. As trail levels out, vegetation changes to the sub-alpine with lower growing shrubs.
Safety Information
Summer access is difficult from this trail to the west end of Crescent Lake on the primitive trail. Creek crossing on the North end of Crescent Lake does not have a bridge and may be difficult to cross after rains. The primitive trail around Crescent Lake is not recommended for children, horse and bike due to difficult trail, tall grasses and brush that obscure travel. Creek flowing into Carter Lake is wide and without a bridge, expect to get wet.
Use caution with bear and moose. Giardia (a microscopic parasite that can infect warm-blooded animals and humans) could be present.
Open year-round
Streams and Lake
Closed to motorized vehicles May 1- November 30. Closed to pack/saddle stock April 1- June 30. Not recommended for bikes or horses.
Contact Name: Seward Ranger District Office
Contact Phone: (907) 288-3178
Address: 33599 Ranger Station Spur (mile marker 23.5) Seward, AK 99664
Phone: (907) 288-3178
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, Closed 12:00 to 1:00pm; Closed on weekends (Closed on federal holidays)
Office Email: mailroom_r10_chugach@usda.gov
Getting There
Directions
Carter Lake Trial is an old jeep road located at Mile 34 on the Seward Highway. The trail is fairly steep for the first 1.5 miles, though it does level out for the remainder.
Additional Information
Operated By
Chugach National Forest
