Lost Lake

The feel

The trail climbs gradually through dense spruce forest, then opens after 2 miles onto a mountainside of meadows and brush. It levels off into subalpine wet meadows and hemlock groves before climbing an alpine ridge that crests after 6 miles, where Lost Lake first comes into view among the mountains.

Mt. Ascension, at 5710 feet, forms the west border of the lake. Moose, black bear, wolf, mountain goat, Dall sheep, ptarmigan, grouse and marmot all live along the route, and salmonberries and blueberries are plentiful in August between miles 3 and 4. Walked as a point-to-point shuttle, it is a long ridge traverse to a chain of high alpine lakes.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Point-to-point, about 14 miles, with about 2000 ft of gain. Gradual forest climb, then meadows, a ridge and alpine lakes. Combining the Lost Lake Trail with the 7.5-mile Primrose Trail makes a 14.8-mile through hike.

Time

About 7 hours.

Crowds and best time

Public use is heavy in summer. Snow lingers at higher elevations into mid-July.

Parking

Lost Lake trailhead is at milepost 5 of the Seward Highway; turn at the Lost Lake subdivision and follow the gravel road to signed trailhead parking. The Primrose end is at Mile 17 Seward Highway, west 1 mile to the large parking area before Primrose Campground.

Hazards

Snow into mid-July, mud after rain, creek crossings (cross at low water), bears and moose.

Bathrooms and water

No toilets are stated at the trailheads. Filter or boil surface water for five minutes before drinking to avoid giardia.

Season and access

Open year-round. Closed to saddle and pack stock April 1 to June 30 and to motorized vehicles May 1 to November 30.

Mingo says

Go once the high snow has melted out, which can run into mid-July. Check conditions after rain, since the trail gets muddy.

Before you go

• Park cars at both trailheads, or arrange a ride, for the shuttle from Primrose to Lost Lake.
• Reserve Dale Clemens Cabin, which sleeps eight, at www.recreation.gov; it lies 1.4 miles south of the junction near mile 3.7.
• Bring a portable stove, because dead and down firewood is very difficult to find.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178.

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