St. Elias Lake

Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: 120 m (394 ft)
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy

Date Added: January 24, 2010
Last Update: January 24, 2010
Winter: ski touring

St. Elias Lake is a short hike with great rewards. There is a campground at the lake, which is nestled between tall mountains. This trail is great for beginner backcountry camping because it is a short trail to a campground with amenities. It is also great to do with kids.

Download

GPS Data

for this trail
View Fullscreen Map

Winter

Driving Directions

From Haines Junction, drive towards Haines, Alaska for about 60 km. There is a pull-out on the right-hand side of the road and a sign will indicate the St. Elias Trail.

Trail Description

The trailhead is right off from the highway pullout. The trail has a few ups and downs, but becomes relatively flat near the lake. All in all, it's an easy trail, and easy to follow.

The trail meanders through the trees for a couple of kilometers and then opens up with views of two surrounding peaks. The trail remains out of the trees all the way to the lake.

The lake has campsites, a food cache, and an outhouse. There is a great view of the surrounding peaks from the lake.

Have these directions changed? We invite you to let us know.

Winter

The trail is often tracked for x-country skiing in the winter. Snowshoeing is also a great option. Once you get to the lake, if it is frozen you can continue right to the opposite end of the lake.