Cooper Landing Area Trails

Russian Lakes Trail

Distance: 21 Miles one-way, 2.4 miles from lower trailhead to Russian River Falls

Time: 2-4 days hiking

Easy to moderate trail that passes through spruce, birch, and aspen forest, and follows the Russian River from Upper Russian Lake to the Russian River Campground. The upper trailhead is located at the end of Snug Harbor Rd. (mile 48 Sterling Hwy), and the lower trailhead is located at the end of the Russian River Campground Rd. (mile 52.8 Sterling Highway). There are 3 forest service cabins on this trail: Barber cabin which is handicap accessible (mile 3), Aspen Flats cabin (mile 9), Upper Russian Lake cabin (mile 12). This trail joins up with the Resurrection River trail at mile 16, which leads 14 miles south to Seward. From the lower trailhead, you can walk to the Russian River falls (2.6 miles), which makes a great family day hike. You can hit the falls and the lower lake all in a half day round trip. In June when the Russian River run of red salmon is going on, you can see red salmon packed in below the falls as they make their way up the river to spawn. The stretch of trail from the campground to the falls is the easiest stretch and is handicap accessible. Good for biking.

Resurrection Pass Trail

Distance: 38 miles one way, Time: 2-7 days hiking

Moderate to strenuous trail

The most popular hiking trail in the Chugach National Forest, this trail was used in the 1890’s by miners heading from Seward to the gold mines in Hope. This trail completes the 72 -mile trail system of the Kenai Peninsula. You can access the trail in Hope, Alaska and follow it south to Seward. At mile 25.8 of the trail, you can access Summit Creek and Devil’s pass trails that lead to the East. Further south on this trail are Swan (mile 25.8) Juneau (mile 28.5), and Trout Lakes (mile 31.8) with a forest service cabin at each lake. There are also tentsites available: Swan Lake tentsite, Swan Lake graded tentsite, Juneau Creek & Juneau Lake tentsites, Falls Creek & Shaft Creek tentsites (close to Trout Lake), and Juneau Falls tentsite (mile 34.3 of the trail). You can continue further South by connecting with the Russian River Trail, and then to the Ressurection River Trail, ending in Seward. Heading north on the Resurrection Pass trail from Cooper Landing provides a good day hike to Juneau Falls, which is approximately a 5 mile walk one way. The Southern trailhead is accessible from mile 53.3 of the Sterling Highway. Good for biking.

Crescent Creek Trail

Distance: 12.8 miles round trip, Time: 6-8 hours hiking

Easy to moderate trail, good for family hiking. Climbs up through birch forest and follows the valley between Right and Wrong mountains, ending after 856ft. elevation gain at Crescent Lake. The ambitious can proceed farther to Carter Lake and hook up with that trail (4.6 miles) to come out near Seward at mile 33.1 Seward hwy. Good camping area, 2 USDA forest service cabins. Great bike trail for some sweet downhill! Trailhead is accessed at the end of Quartz Creek Rd. past the Crescent Creek Campground.

Fuller Lakes Trail

Distance: 5-8 miles round trip, Time: 4-6 hours hiking

Moderate to strenuous trail. Steep climb from lower to upper Fuller lake, providing great view of the Kenai mountains. Several established campsites along the trail. Located in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge at mile 57 of the Sterling Highway.

Skyline Trail

Distance: 3 miles round trip, Time: 2-4 hours

Extremely Strenuous trail. This short, steep climb leads you up into Mystery Hills, where the adventurous can continue up and walk the ridge east to hook up with the Fuller Lakes trail. Great view, but don’t attempt on a rainy day as some of the really steep parts become slick and impassable. Trailhead parking located at mile 61 of the Sterling Highway (south side), the trail head is on the north side across the highway.

Vagt Lake Trail

Distance: 4 miles round trip, Time: 2 hours

Great family trail to small, lovely lake. Access of Seward Highway beside Trail Lake at Moose Pass.

Ptarmigan Lake Trail

Distance: 3.6 miles, Time: 4 hours

Moderate hiking trail from west end of Ptarmigan Lake to east end. This rough, narrow trail travels up and down, along the shore and high above the turquoise lake through open meadows, brush and forest. The lake and surrounding mountains are almost continuously in view.

Johnson Pass Trail

Distance: 23 miles one-way, Time: 2-7 days hiking

Moderate multi-use trail from mile 64 Seward Highway in the north to mile 32.5 Seward Highway in the south. Trail is mostly forested for the first 4 miles on the north end and first 10 miles on the south end. The higher middle section is mostly open subalpine terrain of meadows and brushy areas with views of nearby mountains. Elevation gains are gradual with a few steep sections. Snow can remain at higher elevations until mid June. Designated campsites along trail w/ bear resistant food lockers. Good trail for biking.