Byers Lake

The feel

Byers Lake sits at the foot of K'esugi Ridge, and on a clear day the views of Denali carry across the water. The Byers Lake Loop Trail is flat and lakeside, with less than 100 ft of elevation gain. Two bridges, one of them a long suspension bridge, cross the inlet and outlet streams.

Along the shore the trail passes three public-use cabins and campsites. A short distance from the campground, an old cabin is slowly returning to nature, and photographers stop for it. The lake is closed to boats with gasoline motors and to aircraft, so only electric motors are allowed on the water.

What to expect

What it is

A lake in Denali State Park at Parks Highway mile 147, with a 5.3-mile loop trail around it, a campground and three public-use cabins.

Crowds and best time

The campground has 73 campsites, first come, first served. Spawning salmon can be seen from the bridges in late July and early August.

Parking

Parking at Byers Lake is $5.

Fees and passes

Parking is $5. Camping is $20 per site.

Bathrooms and water

The campground has toilets and water.

Season and access

Reached by road on the Parks Highway, 147 miles north of Anchorage and 90 miles from the National Park Service entrance.

Mingo says

Aim for late July or early August if you want to watch spawning salmon from the bridges. Stop at the old cabin along the trail.

Before you go

• Rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board on site from Denali Southside River Guides, (907) 733-7238.
• Book a cabin online only; the three Byers Lake cabins are $80 per night.
• For campground questions, call the DNR Public Information Center at (907) 269-8400.

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