Iditarod Trail/Troop Lake Trail

The feel

Troop Lake is a remote walk-in lake stocked with rainbow trout. The trailhead is marked by a sign, and drivers pull into an off-highway parking area.

The trail begins on the Iditarod Historical Trail and is easy. A new Troop Lake cutoff trail, marked with a sign, leaves it about 1.0 miles down, and the cutoff is about 0.5 miles to the lake.

What to expect

Water and access

Mile 12.1 of the Seward Highway, turnout on the east side; the trail begins on the Iditarod Historical Trail.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, stocked.

License and rules

Closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30. Closed to pack and saddle stock April 1 to June 30. Not recommended for bikes or horses. Check Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulations.

Parking

An off-highway parking area at the signed trailhead.

Season and access

Closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30.

Mingo says

Watch for the sign that marks the cutoff to the lake. Plan around the seasonal closures to stock and motor vehicles.

Before you go

• Review the Alaska Department of Fish and Game fishing regulations.
• Leave bikes and horses behind.
• Park at the turnout on the east side of the highway.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.