Rainbow Lake

The feel

Rainbow Lake is a remote stocked lake near Cooper Landing, reached by a short hike of 0.5 miles from Rainbow Lake Trailhead. The lake is water you walk to, and the trailhead is 10 miles down Snug Harbor Rd from the Sterling Hwy. At the access site there is a designated camping area, a picnic table and a bear proof food locker. The fish is rainbow trout.

What to expect

Water and access

A stocked lake, 0.5 miles on foot from Rainbow Lake Trailhead. From mile 47.9 on the Sterling Hwy, turn south on Snug Harbor Rd and drive 10 miles.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout, year-round.

License and rules

The ADF&G stocked lakes page is the regulation reference.

Parking

Park at Rainbow Lake Trailhead.

Season and access

Fishable year-round for rainbow trout.

Mingo says

Rainbow trout are fishable year-round here, so you can plan this trip around your own calendar. Any month works, since the season never closes.

Before you go

• Check the ADF&G stocked lakes regulations before you fish.
• Store food in the bear proof locker at the access site.
• Allow for the 10 mile drive on Snug Harbor Rd from the Sterling Hwy.

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