China Poot Lake Trail

The feel

From the dock at Halibut Cove Lagoon the trail climbs through forest and over a low ridge, passing two small lakes where common loons are often seen. It meanders through a cottonwood grove, with views of Poot Peak, and ends at China Poot Lake, its cabin and an outhouse.

Moose and bear live along the route, and blueberries are plentiful in August. The lake offers good fishing, and a popular campsite sits on the shore.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 5.6 miles total with about 500 ft of gain; 2.6 to 2.8 miles one way through forest and over a low ridge in short, steep climbs.

Time

About 1.5 to 2.5 hours one way.

Crowds and best time

China Poot Lake Campsite is popular. Blueberries ripen in August.

Parking

No road access. Arrive by water taxi from the Homer Harbor to the Halibut Cove Lagoon public dock.

Kids

Rated moderate.

Hazards

Flooding at mile 2, shin deep or above the knees when raining. Moose and bear. The Wosnesenski River trail is washed out, and people have been rescued from the South Route to Poot Peak.

Cell signal

Many areas of the park have no cell phone service.

Bathrooms and water

An outhouse at the campsite, and a toilet at the lagoon ranger station. Water: at the trailhead, several small streams, China Poot Lake and Moose Valley Creek.

Season and access

Reached by boat only. Public use cabins can be reserved up to seven months in advance.

Mingo says

Go in August for the blueberries. Rain deepens the mile 2 flooding, so pick a dry spell.

Before you go

• Bring bear spray and make noise as you hike.
• Follow the orange flags and cleared path along the gravel at mile 2, and expect to wade; new bridges are planned by 2027.
• Reserve the China Poot Lake public use cabin at (907) 269-8400.
• Skip the Wosnesenski River trail and the South Route to Poot Peak.

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