Johnson Lake State Rec Walk

The feel

Johnson Lake State Recreation Area is a wooded, 332 acre area surrounding Johnson Lake. Camping, fishing for rainbow trout, canoeing and walking are the popular things to do here, and the walk wanders lakeside through spruce.

The recreation area has 48 campsites, 16 day use parking sites and a group picnic area, plus a boat launch and picnic shelters. Moose, black and brown bear and lynx are plentiful in the area. The town of Kasilof is fifteen miles south of Soldotna and is a popular summer recreational destination.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 1 mile total, easy, with about 40 ft of gain.

Time

About 0.5 hour.

Crowds and best time

Popular in summer. Quiet hours run from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking

16 day use parking sites. From mile 110 of the Sterling Highway, take Johnson Lake Loop Road.

Fees and passes

Day use parking is $5 per day. Camping is $20 per site, and online reservations carry a $4.50 fee per reservation.

Dogs

Pets must be leashed and under control at all times in developed areas.

Kids

Rated easy and kid-friendly.

Hazards

Moose, black and brown bear and lynx are plentiful; do not feed them and keep a clean camp.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water at the recreation area.

Mingo says

Come in summer, when Kasilof is a popular recreation destination. Bring a rod for the rainbow trout.

Before you go

• Carry $5 for the daily parking fee.
• Keep the dog leashed and under control.
• Groups of over 12 people need a reservation for the group picnic area.
• Keep a clean camp and never feed the wildlife.

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