Carter Lake Trail - Hiking trail near Seward, Alaska, United States - Description

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 and a multitude of wildflowers. This level terrain offers best camping sites and excellent vistas.

Wildlife includes moose, black and brown bear, mountain goat, ptarmigan, wolverine, coyote and Dall sheep. Hunting for these species is permitted in designated seasons. Stocked rainbow trout in Carter Lake. Grayling fish in Crescent Lake. Review Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) hunting and fishing regulations.

Trailhead is at Mile 34, Seward Highway. Trail is closed to saddle/pack stock from April 1 to June 30 and motorized vehicles from May 1 to Nov 30.