Skilak Lake Road

The feel

Skilak Lake Road is a 19 mile gravel loop, well maintained but unpaved, that leaves the Sterling Highway at mile 58 and rejoins it at mile 75.2. At milepost 2.5 the Pothole Lake Fire Overlook looks over an 8,700 acre area swept by wildfire in 1991, now a slope of young alder and willow. Black bears, brown bears, lynx, moose and wolves are among the notable species along the road.

Lower and Upper Skilak Lake campgrounds are popular boat launches for fishing the inlet and outlet of the Kenai River. Burney's Trail starts at Hidden Lake Campground, and its upper portion follows the burn edge of the 2019 Swan Lake Fire, with views of Hidden Lake, Skilak Lake and the Kenai Mountains.

What to expect

What it is

A scenic gravel alternative to the paved highway through the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, with lake and glacier views, boat launches and trail access.

Fees and passes

Camping at Hidden Lake and Upper Skilak campgrounds is $15 a night, and walk-in tent sites at Upper Skilak are $10 a night. Interagency Senior and Access Passholders get 50% off camping fees.

Hazards

If you hike, go during daylight hours, with company, and be bear aware.

Season and access

Expect muddy gravel from late April to early May. Entrances are at Sterling Highway mileposts 58 and 75.2.

Mingo says

Drive it slowly, at 10 to 15 mph, early in the day or late in the evening. That gives you the best chance of seeing wildlife, and boaters with trailers are not yet on the road.

Before you go

• Stop at the Visitor Contact Station at Sterling Highway milepost 57.8 for refuge information, June 10 through August 15, 10am to 4pm daily.
• Call refuge staff at (907) 743-9146 for road updates if you are bringing a large RV before mid-May.
• At Hidden Lake Campground, 23 of the 44 sites are on the Skyview Loop and can be reserved online. There are no electric or water hookups, and the maximum stay is 7 days.
• Backcountry camping is permitted 1/4 mile away from the Sterling Highway and Skilak Lake Road.

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