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Backcountry trail · Kenai Peninsula
Russian Lakes Trail
Cooper Landing's lake-to-lake trail past Russian River Falls, with some of the Kenai's busiest bear country at the start.
- Distance
- 21.78 mi (Upper & Lower)
- Elevation gain
- About 1,100 ft
- Difficulty
- Easy to moderate
- Trail type
- Backcountry trail and singletrack, with cabins
- Season
- North end May–Oct. East end all year
Overview
USFS lists Russian Lakes for mountain biking. Use is very heavy as far as Russian River Falls and Barber Cabin.
Rules and closures
Land manager: USDA Forest Service, Chugach National Forest (USFS Chugach NF: Russian Lakes Trail (Upper & Lower)).
- Closed to motorized use year-round from Russian River Campground to Upper Russian Lake Cabin. The rest is closed to motors May 1–Nov 30.
- Closed to stock Apr 1–Jun 30.
- The Russian River food and attractant order applies near the river: keep food, trash and fish attended or properly stored.
Season and winter fat biking
North end May–Oct. East end all year.
No grooming. The east end is open all year, but this isn't a fat-bike destination.
Winter riding near avalanche terrain: check our avalanche conditions page first.
Bears
Bears concentrate here around the salmon runs. A USFS order requires food and refuse within 3 ft of you or in a vehicle, hard-sided camper or certified bear-resistant container, and bans leaving fish unattended. Ride loud, and don't stop at the falls when bears are on the river.
Source: USFS Chugach NF: Russian River occupancy and use restrictions
Parking and trailheads
- North trailhead: Russian River Campground, Sterling Hwy mile 52.6.
- East trailhead: Sterling Hwy mile 48, then Snug Harbor/Cooper Lake Rd.
Gear
Carry bear spray where you can reach it, a pump and tube, and layers for rain.
Our lists: Gear kits · Small-shop skis & splitboards · Alaska shops
Map: trailheads and parking
Points come from the sources listed. Basemap: USGS The National Map. Don't navigate with this map. Use the official trail map.