Coalition Loop Trail

The feel

The Coalition Loop climbs over a low ridge from China Poot Lake Trail and opens onto views of China Poot Bay, where bald eagles soar over the bluffs. It drops to the bay, a good stop for lunch, then crosses steep forested hillsides and low ridges and valleys, with a few hemlocks.

Later the trail runs high along China Poot Creek to an overlook of China Poot Lake at mile 4.0, then descends to the north shore of the lake to rejoin China Poot Lake Trail. It was dedicated to the Kachemak Bay Citizen's Coalition and extended into a loop in 1999.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 5.5 to 6.5 miles, with about 400 ft of gain in short, steep climbs. Low ridges, steep forested hillsides, and a high stretch above China Poot Creek.

Time

About 3 hours.

Parking

No road access. Marine access is at China Poot Bay Trailhead at high tide only, or join the loop at mile 0.2 or mile 1.8 of China Poot Lake Trail.

Kids

Rated moderate.

Hazards

The State trail report calls the loop Difficult to Impassable and not recommended, with no hiking to the falls. China Poot Bay is shallow, with strong currents at the entrance and mud and mussel bars.

Cell signal

Many areas of the park have no cell phone service.

Bathrooms and water

A latrine and water at the China Poot Bay site. Water: small seasonal creeks and China Poot Lake.

Season and access

Reached by boat or air only. Boats need to go in and out an hour or two before and after high tide. Allow 1/3 more than your usual hiking time.

Mingo says

Confirm current conditions before you commit, because the loop has been flagged Difficult to Impassable. Time any boat landing around high tide.

Before you go

• Arrange a water taxi from Homer and plan the China Poot Bay landing for high tide.
• Carry a satellite device, since many areas have no cell phone service.
• Camp at China Poot Bay Trailhead or Halibut Cove Lagoon Trailhead; the bay site has tent sites and a fire pit.
• Call Kenai Southern District Operations at 907-399-2054 for trail conditions.

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