Edmonds Lake 7.5k

The feel

The loop runs through birch and spruce on the old 7.5k ski trails in Mirror Lake Park, which sits at the base of Bear Mountain about 20 miles north of Anchorage. The trails travel through dense riparian woods, with birch-spruce uplands and black spruce bogs around them, and they reach Edmonds Lake and Mirror Lake.

Mirror Lake has a sandy beach, picnic shelters, a playground and a boat launch.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.8 miles, with about 226 ft of gain, through birch and spruce woods to Edmonds Lake.

Time

About 1.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

A popular area for birding and cross-country skiing, so expect to meet other people.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Kids

Rated easy; Mirror Lake has a sandy beach and a playground.

Hazards

Bear country; the trail network crosses Camp Gorsuch Rd several times and shares ground with mountain bike singletrack.

Season and access

Open year-round. The park is bisected by the Glenn Highway.

Mingo says

Come in winter if you want the trail as it was built, a cross-country ski route. Summer suits the lakes, with fishing and paddling on the water.

Before you go

• Bring bear spray.
• Leash your dog.
• Watch for crossings of Camp Gorsuch Rd, where the loop meets mountain bike trails.

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