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Trail Access
North end: At Mile 52, Sterling Highway,
turn onto Russian River Campground Road. Trailhead parking is 1 mile
further. East end: At Mile 48, Sterling Highway, turn onto Snug Harbor
Road, travel 9 miles to Cooper Lake Road, 3 miles to parking. Cooper
Lake Road is not plowed in winter. Snug harbor Road may be icy.
Trail is closed to saddle/packstock from April 1 - June 30 and motorized
vehicles from May 1 - Nov. 30.
Trail Grade/Condition
Level foot path, gradual grades, well
maintained. Snow on trail can persist into late spring. Downed
trees can impede travel in winter/spring.
Recreational Opportunities
Scenic overlooks of Russian River, panoramic
views of mountains. Easy hiking for family outing. Potential
multi-day trip using designated campsites at Lower/Upper Russian Lakes
or Barber, Aspen Flats, or Upper Russian Lake Cabins. Day hike from
Russian River Campground to Russian River Falls (Mile 2) or Lower Russian
Lake (Mile 3). From Russian River campground the first 2 miles of
trail are heavily used for fishing access to Russian River and Lower Russian
Lake. Along trail, reddish-gray, dead trees killed by spruce bark
beetle. These trees are a major fire hazard. Trail to Lower
Russian Lake and falls is a wide mini-road which is accessible to people
with disabilities.
Wildlife includes moose, bears, wolves,
Dall sheep and mountain goats. Hunting for these species is permitted
in designated seasons. Fishing in Russian River provides the largest
sport fishery in Alaska for sockeye salmon during two runs, starting mid-June
and mid-July. Fishing for any salmon species is not permitted upstream
of Russian River Falls. Excellent Rainbow trout fishing between and
in Upper/Lower Russian Lakes. Review Alaska Department of Fish and
Game hunting and fishing regulations.
Special Considerations
Winter travel is unsafe and not recommended
between Lower Russian Lake and Upper Russian Lake due to potential avalanche
danger. It is relatively safe from Cooper Lake trailhead except during
extreme avalanche hazard. Winter storms and whiteouts are frequent
above treeline. 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.
Cabin Reservations
Occupancy of Forest Service cabins is
by permit only ($25 per night per party plus $8.25 reservation fee per
cabin). Reservations may be made up to 180 days in advance by calling
1-800-280-2267 or visiting any Chugach National Forest office or Anchorage
Alaska Public Lands Information Center.
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