Skilak Lake Overlook

The feel

Skilak Lake Road runs 19 miles through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and the overlooks on it look down on the lake. At Hidden Creek Overlook you see Hidden Creek Flats, the Kenai River, Skilak Lake and the glacial outwash area of the Skilak Glacier. Upper Skilak Campground is an excellent picnic site with views of the lake and the Kenai Mountains.

Fishermen and tourists both use the road. Black bears, brown bears, moose, lynx and wolves live along it, and so do red-throated, Pacific and common loons. From the alpine end of the Skilak Lookout Trail you can look down on gull and cormorant rookeries on the lake's rocky islands.

What to expect

What it is

Lake and glacier-flat views from overlooks along the 19 mile Skilak Lake Road in the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.

Time

Skilak Lookout Trail is 4 miles round trip.

Crowds and best time

The road is well traveled by fishermen and tourists. Drive it slowly at 10 to 15 mph early in the day or late in the evening for wildlife and less traffic.

Hazards

A lot of bears in the area, especially during salmon season. The lookout is very windy.

Bathrooms and water

No water sources at the lookout; pack an adequate supply.

Season and access

The road has entrances at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2. Hidden Creek Overlook is at mile 5.1 and Upper Skilak Campground at mile 8.4 from the east entrance.

Mingo says

Drive the road early or late, when boat trailers are fewer and wildlife is out. Salmon season brings more bears, so make noise on any trail.

Before you go

• Stop at the refuge Visitor Contact Station at Sterling Highway milepost 57.8, open June 10 to August 15, 10am to 4pm daily.
• Wear extra layers for the windy lookout.
• Carry all your own drinking water.
• Call the Refuge Visitor Center at 907-260-2820 for current information.

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