If you have an afternoon off and you’d like to get outside, the Red Shirt Lake Trail will take you to stunning views at the edge of a gorgeous lake in Willow, Alaska. This is a relatively easy hike with great views, and it’s only a one hour and twenty-minute drive outside of Anchorage. Grab the family and go explore!

There are many beautiful places in Alaska to explore, and the area around Willow is a great spot to get outside and hike.
Lisha Antiqua / AllTrails
The Red Shirt Lake Trail is a moderately rated trail that leads you out to a stunning lake with great views. This hike is only open during the summer, so now is the time to get out and see it.
The trail is wide and well maintained, varying between boardwalks and packed earth.
William Hageman / AllTrails
Although it’s wide most of the way, it may be too bumpy for a stroller. The elevation gain is minimal, only 918 feet over the entire trail, but there are some short, steeps spots.
The length of the hike is about 6.5 miles.
William Hageman / AllTrails
It’s an out and back hike, so it won’t take you too long to reach the water. If you have smaller children in your party, expect to be out for a couple of hours.

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The beautiful rolling terrain offers variation without too much difficulty.
Anna Yurkova / AllTrails
The lake is great for observing, or it’s a great spot to fish. There are canoes nearby that you can rent before you start the trail at South Rolly Lake Campground.
When you reach the lake, there are lots of incredible views.
Jeff Russell / AllTrails
There’s even a few primitive camping sites, as well as cabins to rent. You must reserve these ahead of time if you’d like to spend the night in one of the dry cabins.
There’s plenty of parking at the trailhead, which is located in South Rolly Lake Campground Parking Lot.
Lisha Antiqua / AllTrails
The parking fee is $5.00, or you can use your Alaska State Parks sticker if you have one. The price is well worth the beautiful the views.
Put this stunning trail on your summer hiking list.
Samantha Berg / AllTrails
Easy enough for the whole family, you’ll love getting out and exploring in Alaska’s outdoors. Remember to practice bear safety, and bring plenty of bug repellant to stay comfortable.

Have you hiked the Red Shirt Lake Trail? What did you think? Will you head out there this summer? Let us know in the comments below!

If you’re looking for another easy trail to a lake, check out The Alaska Trail That Circles The Most Stunning Lake Belongs On Your Outdoor Bucket List.

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Red Shirt Lake, Alaska, USA