Top 10 Lakes in the Kenai Mountains
Best lakes in the Kenai Mountains are found within a prominent range on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula. These lakes are often characterized by their glacial origins, vibrant colors, and diverse recreational opportunities. The region offers visitors a chance to experience the rugged beauty and varied wildlife of the Alaskan wilderness. Many lakes are fed by glacial meltwater, contributing to their distinctive appearance.
Best lakes in the Kenai Mountains
- The most popular lakes is Shoreline of Portage Lake, a lake that…
Last updated: April 29, 2026
Shoreline of Portage Lake
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Divide Lake
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Portage Lake
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Grewingk Lake
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Upper Russian Lake Cabin
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Lost Lake
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Lower Russian Lake and Barber Cabin
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Crescent Creek Trail
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Two Lakes Park
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This park is an uninterrupted part of the …
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Resurrection Bay
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Just what the name suggests! There are a couple of small, pretty lakes, and a bit of a footpath leading around them. This park is an uninterrupted part of the woodlands around Seward; it's not maintained or "groomed" in any sense, except probably for some trail maintenance now and then.
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Once upon a time, you could see Portage Glacier from this viewpoint. Now it has receded behind a corner of the mountains, so from here you can only see the lake left behind by the glacier, and every so often a few icebergs might still float by. Still, the lake itself is wildly beautiful and the small visitor center nearby is interesting to visit... if it's open. More information here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/chugach/recarea/?recid=71946
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Portage Lake is a popular destination near Anchorage, attracting visitors with its scenic allure. Once a site for icebergs, the lake's appearance has evolved due to glacier shifts. Though less frequent, glacier ice chunks still float by.
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Divide Lake is flat, tranquil, and edged with grass, almost as if it sprang out of the tundra on its own. As the trail passes it and begins a downhill grade, you'll catch glimpses of the lake's outflow — Divide Creek — as it races you down to Portage Lake below.
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For most people, the broad, sandy shoreline of Portage Lake marks the turnaround point of this hike — or the perfect picnic spot. The glacier is not terrible active but it does sometimes calve (break off) chunks of ice into the water. If you're in the right place at the right time you might see and hear this happen, and sometimes the resulting icebergs even make it close to shore. If you see a small cruise ship on the water that is the M/V Ptarmigan, which cruises from the visitor center on the far side of the lake to within good views of the face of Portage Glacier; more information here: https://www.graylinealaska.com/portage-glacier-cruises/ Finally, some hikers do choose to continue hiking left (south) from here, in hopes of getting closer to the face of the glacier itself. Be warned, there is a not-insignificant stream crossing in the way, and it's very dangerous to walk on, underneath, or in front of the glacier itself, as chunks of ice can and do break off of it at random intervals.
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The Crescent Creek Trailhead sits at the end of a rather rough access road, but it's worth the drive. The trail in front of you is a pleasant, swooping singletrack through light forest, eventually descending to a tiny gravel beach on the shores of aptly named Crescent Lake. If you look at it on a map, you'll see that it is shaped like a crescent-shaped smile.
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There is public access to the shore of Upper Russian Lake, but if you want to stay in the Upper Russian Lake public use cabin, it must be reserved in advance for a fee: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233006
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Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the lakes in the Kenai Mountains unique?
The lakes in the Kenai Mountains are primarily glacial in origin, giving them vibrant, often turquoise, waters. They are nestled within a rugged mountain range on Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, offering stunning scenery and diverse recreational opportunities. Many, like Portage Lake, even feature floating ice chunks or icebergs.
Are there family-friendly lakes in the Kenai Mountains?
Yes, several lakes offer great experiences for families. Portage Lake is a popular destination with a broad, sandy shoreline perfect for picnics. Ptarmigan Lake is also accessible via a 3.5-mile trail and features a small beach area, making it a fine family outing.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around these lakes?
The Kenai Mountains lakes region offers a wide array of outdoor activities. You can enjoy fishing for species like Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and sockeye salmon, especially in lakes like Kenai Lake and Skilak Lake. Boating, kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing are also popular. For specific routes, you can explore running trails, mountain biking trails, and road cycling routes throughout the region.
Which lakes are best for wildlife viewing?
Skilak Lake, located within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, where you might see bears, moose, and bald eagles. Tustumena Lake, due to its remote nature, also offers opportunities to spot brown bears, particularly when salmon are present.
Can I see glaciers or icebergs in any of the lakes?
Absolutely. Portage Lake is known for chunks of ice, and sometimes icebergs, floating in its waters, occasionally calving from Portage Glacier. Similarly, Grewingk Lake is distinguished by icebergs calmly floating in its middle, providing a unique and picturesque experience.
Are there remote lakes for a more secluded experience?
Yes, Tustumena Lake is a remote and expansive freshwater body, accessible primarily by water, making it ideal for kayaking and experiencing untouched Alaskan wilderness. Crescent Lake is also noted for its extreme remoteness and offers public use cabins for those seeking solitude.
What are some good lakes for fishing?
Kenai Lake is renowned for fishing, with Arctic grayling, rainbow trout, and steelhead trout. Skilak Lake is also significant for sockeye salmon, rainbow trout, and Dolly Varden. Lost Lake is known to harbor rainbow trout, and Spirit Lake and Juneau Lake are popular for ice fishing during winter.
What is the best time to visit the Kenai Mountains lakes?
The best time to visit generally depends on your desired activities. Summer offers the warmest weather for boating, hiking, and fishing. However, some lakes like Spirit Lake, Juneau Lake, and Carter Lake are popular for winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.
Are there any lakes with notable hiking trails nearby?
Many lakes have excellent hiking access. The 19-mile Skilak Lake Loop Road provides access to trailheads and offers panoramic vistas from the Skilak Lookout Trail. The Lost Lake Trail, also known as the Primrose trail, leads through a rainforest to high meadows and lakes, offering opportunities for angling and camping.
Which lakes offer scenic viewpoints?
Many lakes provide stunning views. Divide Lake offers tranquil views and glimpses of Portage Glacier. Skilak Lake's Lookout Trail provides panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding area. Kenai Lake also has scenic pull-offs along the Seward and Sterling Highways for excellent viewpoints.
Can I find accommodation or cabins near the lakes?
Yes, there are options for staying near the lakes. For example, the Upper Russian Lake Cabin is a public use cabin that can be reserved in advance. Crescent Lake also offers public use cabins, catering to those looking for a more secluded stay.
Are there any lakes suitable for winter activities?
Yes, several lakes in the Kenai Mountains are excellent for winter recreation. Spirit Lake and Juneau Lake are popular for ice fishing, while Carter Lake offers beautiful backcountry for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, providing a different perspective of the region's beauty.
Most popular routes in the Kenai Mountains
Most popular attractions in the Kenai Mountains
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