Upper Russian Lake (Cooper Lake TH)

The feel

The east trailhead offers a more remote atmosphere than the north. You enter a quiet backcountry realm in wooded country above 1,000 feet in elevation. The trail is mostly wooded with frequent open areas that look out to mountains and lakes.

Upper Russian Lake has good rainbow trout fishing and a stunning view of mountains. The Upper Russian Lake Cabin is set back from the northern shore in an open grove of cottonwoods, with views of the lake and the peaks beyond.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 18 miles total, with 900 ft of gain. Mostly wooded, with open stretches that look to mountains and lakes. The cabin is 9 miles from the trailhead. The top is at 2200 ft, from a trailhead at 1300 ft.

Time

About 8 hours.

Parking

Parking is at the trailhead on Snug Harbor Road. From mile 48 of the Sterling Highway in Cooper Landing, turn south onto Snug Harbor Road, which becomes Cooper Lake Road after 9 miles; the trailhead parking area is three miles further.

Hazards

Heavy bear country, so be bear aware.

Season and access

Snow can remain on the upper end of the trail into the early part of June. The east end is open all year. Winter parking is at 0.3 mile of Cooper Lake Road. Between the trailhead and the cabin the trail is closed to motorized vehicles from May 1 to November 30 and to pack and saddle stock from April 1 to June 30.

Mingo says

Wait until the snow clears from the upper end in early June. Make noise on the way in, since this is heavy bear country.

Before you go

• Staying at Upper Russian Lake Cabin costs $50 to $65 per night, and reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance.
• Call the Seward Ranger District at (907) 288-3178 for current trail conditions.
• In winter, park at 0.3 mile of Cooper Lake Road.

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