Rainbow Lake Trail

The feel

Rainbow Lake Trail is a short, easy hike of 0.3 to 0.5 miles to Rainbow Lake and its rainbow trout fishing, with about 50 feet of elevation gain and roughly 15 minutes one way. A hardened tent site sits at the trail's end.

The trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1 to November 30 and to pack and saddle stock from April 1 to June 30.

What to expect

Water and access

Rainbow Lake, 0.3 to 0.5 miles up an easy trail. Leave the Sterling Highway at Mile 48 in Cooper Landing, take Snug Harbor Road about 9 miles to Cooper Lake Road, then go 2.5 miles to the trailhead.

Species and timing

Rainbow trout.

License and rules

Check the ADF&G fishing regulations. Closed to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30 and to pack and saddle stock April 1 to June 30.

Parking

The lot holds only three vehicles and is too small for motor homes.

Hazards

Giardia may be present in open water. Watch for bear and moose. Snug Harbor Road can be icy.

Bathrooms and water

Filter surface water before drinking.

Season and access

Cooper Lake Road is not plowed in winter.

Mingo says

Plan summer access, since winter plowing does not cover Cooper Lake Road. Give yourself extra drive time on icy stretches of Snug Harbor Road.

Before you go

• Arrive knowing the lot holds only three vehicles and is too small for motor homes.
• Filter lake water before drinking it, since giardia may be present.
• Watch for bear and moose along the trail.
• Check the ADF&G fishing regulations before you cast.

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