Moose Pass, Alaska

	Primrose Trail

USGS Map	Seward B7
Difficulty	More Difficult
Public Use	Light
Length (one Way)	8 miles
Trip Time (one way)	4-5 hours
Condition	Fair
Recommended Season	All year
Elevation Gain	1,500 feet

Trail Access
At Mile 17, Seward Highway, turn northwest and travel 1.5 miles to Primrose Campground. Signed trailhead in campground. Trail is closed to saddle/packstock from April 1 -June 30 and motorized vehicles from May 1 - Nov 30. Miner with permit may use motorized vehicle on the trail all year. There is usually snow at higher elevations into mid June or first of July.

Trail Grade/Condition
Good condition to Mile 4, then steep, eroded, poor drainage. May be boggy at/above treeline. Downed trees may impede travel in winter and spring.

Recreational Opportunities
Excellent multi-day trip for fishing at Lost Lake and for enjoying spectacular scenery. Good backcountry campsites near trail and Lost Lake. Excellent area for skiing or snowmobiling into the alpine area.

First 4.5 miles through dense spruce forest --limited viewing spots. At Mile 3, spur trail leads to viewpoint of Porcupine Creek Falls. Good destination for a day hike or family outing. No developed facilities at viewpoint. Path has steeper grade and is not maintained. As trail follows old mining road, notice remains of past mineral exploration. An active mine can be seen at about 3.75 miles. (Mining equipment belongs to the miners and is private property). Last 2 to 3 miles are at timberline with dramatic views of mountains and lakes. A seasonal bridge is erected across Lost Creek for continued hiking.

Mt. Ascension (5710 feet) forms west border of Lost Lake. Requires mountaineering skills to climb summit. For view of steep north side of Mt. Ascension and for increased possibility of seeing black bear and mountain goats, hike along north end of lake and walk west up valley. For longer cross-country trip follow the drainages to Cooper Lake. Hiking is easy on tundra but good orienteering skills are required.

Wildlife includes moose, black bear, mountain goat, Dall sheep, ptarmigan, grouse, and marmot. A good place to see black bear in spring. Hunting for these species in the designated seasons. Fishing for rainbow trout is good in Lost Lake. Review Alaska Department of Fish and Game hunting and fishing, regulations.

Special Considerations
Winter travel is relatively safe while keeping on the trail. Whiteouts and disorientation, fog may occur. Be prepared for rapid weather changes. Use caution with bear and moose. Boil surface water for 5 minutes before drinking. Remember to pack out your trash. You can contact a U.S. Forest Service office to receive more detailed information on safety precautions.