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A granite-rimmed wilderness lake in an ancient glacial
valley draws loons, songbirds, salmon, bears and muskrats.
red-breasted nuthatch
Pacific loon
NOTABLE
SPECIES
Sockeye salmon
Pacific loon
Common loon
Red-necked grebe
Gray jay
Common raven
Boreal chickadee
Red-breasted nutchatch
Ruby-crowned kinglet
Swainson’s thrush
Hermit thrush
Yellow-rumped warbler (myrtle)
Dark-eyed junco |
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 FIELD NOTES
Hidden Lake
extends eight miles into the foothills north of Skilak Lake. In
June, sockeye salmon smolts gather in the lake by the hundreds of
thousands before migrating down Hidden Creek to Skilak Lake. Up to
30,000 adults return to spawn in June and July. Brown and black
bears meander through the dense growth along the creek south of
the lake. Hike the 1.2- mile (round trip) Burney’s Trail slowly
with ears open for the songs and calls of hermit and Swainson’s
thrushes, boreal chickadees, and red-breasted nuthatches. Walk
along the lakeshore to the mouth of Hidden Creek to catch a
glimpse of muskrats and moose, and to watch yellow-rumped (myrtle)
warblers snatch insects from the air.
HABITAT
The trail and lake
are surrounded by a young mixed forest of spruce and aspen.
Pockets of marsh surround the deep, cold lake.
GEOLOGICAL CONNECTION
The lake follows an
ancient channel of the Kenai River.
VIEWING TIP
Common
loons and red-necked grebes often paddle just off the campground
boat launch.
HELPFUL HINTS
To maximize your chances
of seeing wildlife and avoiding traffic, drive the road slowly at
10 to 15 mph early in the day (before boaters start driving the
road with trailers),
 or
late in the evening. If you hike, go during daylight hours, with
company, and be bear aware.
GETTING THERE
Sterling Highway
milepost 58. Take Skilak Lake Road, Hidden Lake Campground is
about 3.6 miles ahead on the right (north).
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