Quartz Lake Long Loop

The feel

This is the longer loop at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area, adding distance and elevation to the 1.8 mile Quartz Lake Loop Trail past the Glatfelder Cabin. From the cabin the trail drops to the lake and follows the shore, then turns into thick woods on the least used section of the system, little more than a path.

The payoff is an open bluff covered with little rose bushes and sagebrush. It has an exceptional view over a wetland area teeming with wildlife, vast lowlands and the Alaska Range beyond. A portion of the trail down from the bluff is very steep, then turns flat and wide toward Lost Lake and the parking lot.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 4.3 miles, with 500 ft of gain. Lakeshore, a narrow footpath through woods, Bluff Point, a very steep descent, then a flat wide trail to Lost Lake.

Time

About 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

The recreation area often attracts large crowds. Lost Lake is considerably less crowded on nice summer days.

Parking

A large parking area at the State Recreation Site, a little less than three miles down paved Quartz Lake Road. You can start at Lost Lake instead.

Hazards

Part of the trail past Lost Lake is eroding. One descent is very steep.

Bathrooms and water

The recreation area has toilets and water.

Mingo says

Begin from the Lost Lake side on a nice summer day if you want fewer people around. Wear waterproof boots for the eroding stretch past Lost Lake.

Before you go

• From Delta, drive about 11.5 miles across the Tanana Bridge and turn right on Quartz Lake Road.
• Campsites at the recreation area are first come, first served, with no online reservations.
• Leave the 4-wheeler at home. The trails allow hiking and mountain biking only.

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