Crescent Lake Trail
An 8.3 mile-long less-developed hiking trail following the shore of Crescent Lake. This trail travels mostly though open meadows and brushy areas with views of Crescent Lake and the surrounding mountains the entire way. It is rough, overgrown, and there are creeks that must be forded. Visitation is light. Snow can linger here until early June.
Specific Trail Information
Trail Number
Trail Type
General Information
USGS Map: Seward B7, C7, C8
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Trip Time (one way) 3-4 hours
Public Use: Moderate
Recommended Season: June-October
Length (one way): 6.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 940 feet
Trail is suitable for family outings and day hiking. Trail follows Crescent creek gradually upward through birch-aspen forests. It climbs over a low ridge and drops into scenic Crescent Creek Canyon. Trail alternates between open meadows with many wildflowers, and forested areas. Two day trip with tent camping at Crescent Lake or stay in Crescent Lake Cabin (by reservation only)
Crescent Lake Trail Map and Recreational Guide
There are campsites near this trail! Check out a map of them here.
Closed to motorized vehicles May 1- November 30. Closed to pack/saddle stock April1-June 30. Not recommended for horses or bicycles.
Contact Name: Seward Ranger District
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
Trailhead is at Mile 45, Sterling Highway, turn south onto Quartz Creek Road. Drive past Quartz Creek and Crescent Creek campgrounds to trailhead (Mile 3.3 Quartz Creek Road). Trail is closed to saddle/pack stock from April 1 to June 30 and motorized vehicles from May 1 to November 30. Miners with permits may use motorized vehicles on the trail.
Access is via Carter Lake Trail (3.4 miles) or Crescent Creek Trail (6.4 miles). This trail is not used in winter when the travel route becomes the frozen surface of Crescent Lake.
Additional Information
Operated By
Chugach National Forest
