Spot Alaskan Wildlife On Your Way Up To An Alpine Lake On Rabbit Lake Trail
By Megan McDonald|Published August 23, 2020
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Megan McDonald
Author
Megan McDonald is a writer, photographer, and owner of humu media, an Alaska-based digital media agency. She spends her free time traveling with her husband and daughter around the US and the world.
If you’re looking for a great hike near Anchorage, Alaska that takes you way up in the mountains of Chugach State Park, the Rabbit Lake Trail is a wonderful trail to explore. Hike through varying terrain while keeping your eyes peeled for all of your favorite Alaskan wildlife, and end up at a stunning alpine lake with gorgeous mountain views.
If you have a day off and you don’t know what to do with it, head into the mountains of the Chugach.
There’s a wonderful little trail called the Rabbit Lake Trail that will take you through some of the prettiest landscape outside of Anchorage, Alaska. The views you’ll see will blow you away!
Located a short drive from Anchorage, you can access this trail through the McHugh Trailhead.
This makes it a great day hike, especially on a beautiful day. You can spot many different species of wildlife, including grizzly and black bears, moose, and Dahl sheep along the trail.
You can expect 1,300 feet of elevation gain, through the hike, but most of it is gradual. There’s one little push to get over a knoll, but other than that it’s not very steep. It’s a very accessible hike for many different skill levels.
Come prepared for brilliant sunshine, cold, driving rain, and wind or lovely heat. Even if you start at one extreme it may quickly change to the opposite. Layers are an Alaskan’s best friend!
The lake is framed by the famous and oft-photographed Suicide Peaks.
It makes for a stunning backdrop to this gorgeous turquoise glacial alpine lake. Pack a picnic lunch and your bathing suit, and hop in for a swim! There’s a private beach at the lake’s far end, under North Suicide Peak if you’re looking to take a swim.
The trail is also a popular mountain biking and cross country ski trail.
If you bring your bike, make sure not to bike on the McHugh Lake Trail, because mountain biking isn’t allowed along that trail. Do bring a tent if you want to spend the night, because you’ll want to wake up to these views! Camping is permitted at least 1/2 mile away from the trailhead.
It’s one you’ll want to visit again and again. A great hike in all seasons, you’ll find this your go to when you want to get out and enjoy everything Alaska has to offer.
Have you ever hiked Rabbit Lake Trail? What did you think? Would you recommend it? Let us know in the comments below!
