Rainbow Lake Trail

The feel

A wide gravel trail crosses a muskeg, then follows a small, forested ridge to the shore of a small lake, with views of surrounding mountains. It is level, about 5 ft wide and without much grade, so it is an easy hike for small children.

Daisies, cinquefoil, lady's tresses and flowering dogwood are common wildflowers. The lake offers rainbow trout fishing, and a hardened campsite at the end of the trail offers tent camping. Public use is low.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 0.6 miles total, 0.3 miles one way, with 50 ft of gain. Level, wide gravel across muskeg and a forested ridge.

Time

About 15 minutes one way.

Crowds and best time

Public use is low.

Parking

From mile 48 Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing, turn onto Snug Harbor Road, travel 9 miles to Cooper Lake Road, then 2.5 miles further to parking. The lot holds three vehicles and is too small for motor homes.

Kids

Easy hike for small children.

Hazards

Use caution with bear and moose; wildlife includes brown and black bear, wolf and wolverine. Filter surface water because of giardia.

Bathrooms and water

Filter surface water because of giardia.

Season and access

May to October. Cooper Lake Road is not plowed in winter, and Snug Harbor Road may be icy.

Mingo says

Go from May through October. The parking lot holds only three vehicles, so plan around that if you are driving a motor home.

Before you go

• Leave motor homes behind; the parking area is too small for them.
• Bring a rod for rainbow trout.
• Bring a filter for lake water.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178.

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