...Skilak Lookout Trail

THE ROUTE: Skilak Lookout Trail

DISTANCE: ~5 miles round trip

TERRAIN: Old burn area of former spruce and cottonwood forest. Trail is wet and muddy in some areas. Last portion of trail to lookout area is steep.

A wild rose blooms along the Skilak Lookout Trail.

Remnants of a forest fire with Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains in the background.

A view near the end of the tail.

Laura and gabby take in the scenery during a break at the end of the trail.

Gabby, Emily, and Laura enjoying the break before we turn back toward the trailhead.

A bald eagle soared directly above us for about five minutes.

Mrs. Huffy and her camera.

The lookout view at the end of the Skilak Lookout Trail.

The Skilak Lookout Trail is a classic Kenai Peninsula hike. The trail passes through an area that was burned about 20 years ago and it is easy to see the remnants of charred spruce and cottonwood trees even though the vegetation has grown significantly since the fire. During this hike the area was covered with wildflowers of all types, but in the fall there is a profusion of many types of berries.

The trail itself is easy hiking until the end when it climbs rather steeply toward a knob with panoramic views of Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains. It is well worth the climb. As we sat admiring the views a bald eagle suddenly appeared and circled above us for the longest time. It soared on the stiff breeze coming off the lake and didn't once move its wings to stay aloft. It was a fitting way to enjoy our time at the end of he trail on...Skilak Lookout Trail.