Byers Lake Loop

The feel

The loop circles a clear forest lake in Denali State Park. It runs through spruce and birch on the north side, and the east side opens up to big views of the Alaska Range and Denali. The trail is flat and primitive and can be muddy, though a boardwalk built in 2011 keeps your feet above the swampy sections.

Two bridges cross the inlet and outlet streams, one of them a long suspension bridge. In late July and early August they offer views of spawning salmon, and they are also good places to look for rainbow trout. Loons share the lake, and an old cabin near the campground draws photographers.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop of about 4.8 to 5.3 miles with 200 ft of gain or less, on a flat lakeside trail with boardwalk over the swampy sections and two bridges.

Time

About 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

Spawning salmon are visible from the bridges in late July and early August.

Parking

At Byers Lake, mile 147 of the Parks Highway.

Fees and passes

A $5 day-use fee or an annual parking pass.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated easy and kid-friendly.

Hazards

Bears, so make noise to avoid surprising them. Bring warm, rainproof gear. The trail can be muddy.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water at the campground. Always purify drinking water.

Mingo says

Plan for late July or early August if you want salmon under the bridges. Save your camera time for the east side, where the Denali views open up.

Before you go

• Pay the $5 day-use fee or display an annual parking pass.
• Call (907) 745-8950 for current trail conditions.
• Rent a canoe or kayak on site from Denali Southside River Guides, (907) 733-7238.
• Pack warm, rainproof gear and make noise on the trail for bears.

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