Bluff Point Trail

The feel

The loop branches off the Lost Lake Trail about a half mile from Lost Lake campground, then climbs the hill above the lake. A short side trip leads to Bluff Point, an elevated, open bluff covered with little rose bushes and sagebrush. The panorama takes in Shaw Creek Flats, Moose Pond, a wetland teeming with wildlife and the Alaska Range beyond.

Near the viewpoint is a catalogued archaeological site, a camp of the local Athabascan people, the Tanana. On the way back, the trail descends steeply, then turns flat and wide as it heads for Lost Lake and the parking lot.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of about 3 miles with 250 ft of gain, rated moderate. A tenth of a mile diversion leads to Bluff Point, 1.6 miles from Lost Lake campground. The descent back to the Lost Lake Trail is moderately steep, 0.2 miles, and a portion drops very steeply down the hill.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Lost Lake is considerably less crowded than Quartz Lake on nice summer days.

Parking

Start at Lost Lake campground. Follow Quartz Lake Road three miles from the Richardson Highway turnoff.

Hazards

Steep descent. In winter, the steep hill down to Moose Pond can be treacherous with packed snow and ice.

Bathrooms and water

No water or toilets at Bluff Point.

Season and access

The turnoff is at Mile 277.8 of the Richardson Highway.

Mingo says

Pick a nice summer day and start from the Lost Lake side, where the crowds are thinner. Treat winter as a different trip, because the steep drop toward Moose Pond gets treacherous.

Before you go

• Turn off at Mile 277.8 of the Richardson Highway and follow Quartz Lake Road three miles.
• Bring your own water; there is none at Bluff Point.
• Plan on no toilets at Bluff Point, where primitive camping has no fire rings.

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