Summit Lake

The feel

Loons usually nest on the lake edges, trumpeter swans rest on the lakes in spring and fall, and moose forage in the meadows.

Summit Lake Lodge, a log structure built in 1950 on the north shore of Upper Summit Lake, has a full service restaurant, a small bar and a pizza and ice-cream parlor. Ski rope tows once operated above both Lower and Upper Summit Lakes, and skiers and snowmachiners still come.

What to expect

What it is

A small glacially carved cirque lake, or tarn, reaching a depth of 20 feet and stocked with Dolly Varden and rainbow trout. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at the lodge.

Parking

The Lower Summit Lake pullout and access road is at Seward Highway milepost 47.6. Tenderfoot Creek Campground is at milepost 46.

Fees and passes

Tenderfoot Creek Campground charges $23 per night for a single site.

Hazards

Bring rubber boots for crossing wetlands near the lake edges, and avoid private property if exploring off roads.

Bathrooms and water

Tenderfoot Creek Campground has water and toilets.

Season and access

The lodge is open May through September.

Mingo says

Come in spring or fall if you want to see trumpeter swans. Stop at a pullout to listen for loons nesting along the lake edges.

Before you go

• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 with questions about the lake.
• Reserve Tenderfoot Creek Campground on Recreation.gov or at 1-877-444-6777; reservations open up to 180 days ahead.
• Pack rubber boots for the wet ground at the lake edge.
• The lodge has cell phone service; only GCI and AT&T work well there.

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