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This can be an incredible bike ride as well considering that a third of the trail is along the ridge of  a mountain.

Even though a lot of people go here, there are so many hills and crevices that finding solitude is no problem.  If you have any geology background, see if you can figure out the hodgepodge of previous glaciers; where they started and where they wound up.

Plan on seeing lots of marmots.  If your dog is like mine, they'll be one happy canine trying to chase after them as they scurry down their holes at the last minute.

You can either hike in and back or do the entire traverse if  you have two cars at both trailheads.  If you can only do one side, I'd pick the Lost Lake Trail side.  The start of both sides is mainly canopy under spruce.  Once you're on the ridge that's when the views start. The Lost Lake Trail gets you to the ridge sooner.  But, really, both sides are pretty much equal.  If you just do the Primrose side, make sure you check the bridge out on the other side of the lake in order to view the creek flowing through the chasm.

My advice; get there early to have your pick of sites, then plan on a long day hike around the lake.  Head into the back of the lake (the west end) and hike up to the small glacier.  Someday, I plan on doing a 3-4 day and going as far back there as I can.  Supposedly you can head right to Coopers Landing.

August 8, 2005: Just got back from a beautiful weekend up here.  This time I camped on the north side where there were a couple of small beaches with a lot of privacy.  I purposely camped here, as I wanted to check out the backcountry west of the lake (see below -  it was incredible!).  The weather was perfect (they were calling for showers) and a nice steady breeze off the lake kept the bugs away. 

 While I’m never real excited about the canopy part of the trail getting to the ridge, it was much more enjoyable this time, as the blueberries and salmonberries were in full ripeness and were there for the picking for long stretches of the trail.  I literally munched on them as I hiked along. 

I really had a detailed look of my surroundings this trip and I never realized just how many glaciers are visible from this area. While none are very large, my guess would be that walking around, you could possible see more than 15!

July 22, 2006:  Coming up the Primrose side, about 3 miles in, you can hear the sound of a waterfall off in the distance.  There is a small trail off to the side but since I usually have a pack on, I've never wanted to go check it out, not knowing how far off it is.  I was camping at Primrose and needed to walk the dog, so I finally checked it out.  It's a very short trail and the falls are magnificent!  If you're hiking this side, I urge you to take the extra 10-15 minutes to go take a look.  I can't tell you exactly where the trail is but after you pass the intersection of the winter route, start to listen for the falls and as  it gets louder, look to your right to find the spur trail. (see photo page)

SPECIAL SECTION ON LOST LAKE BACK COUNTRY

 
Photos
Map

Description: 
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I’ve been trying for the last few years to check out the area west of the lake.  The guidebooks mention that it is actually possible to hike to Coopers Landing from here but I was more interested in checking out the glacier visible from Lost Lake since it seemed so easy to get to.  Well! I finally had a full day to go exploring and this is a magical place. 

If you can, I urge you to spend an extra day at Lost Lake to explore the first glacier and its moraines, as well as the tarn and surrounding tundra.  There are actually 2 more glaciers after the first one plus a whole bunch further down this valley. If you’re looking for solitude away from the other campers, head to the tarn and camp on the north side.  With a beautiful aquamarine lake, a 3-glacier view, the endless patches of fireweed (late summer) and endless vistas, it doesn’t get any better than this! 

The best way to get into this area is to come in from the North side of Lost Lake.  Most of the time, there will be a small trail. Once past the willow, either head to the tarn and set up camp, or officially start your hike to the glacier by fording the stream at the best opportunity.

The 3 glaciers are definitely receding and will probably be gone within the next decade.  They are quite small but very interesting as half of the ice is underneath broken rock and scree.  There was much meltwater coming off of them.  The leftover moraines are quite impressive and there is a small muddy tarn in between them.  Conceivably, you can hike to the other 2 glaciers but it commands caution and the sights wouldn’t be any different than the easily more traversable 1^st glacier.  Check out where the meltwater flows into the main stream that goes into Lost Lake, as it is quite a contrast with the non-silty water flowing from the tarn (see photos). 

If anyone has explored and gone beyond the main tarn, it would be great if you can share your experience.  I myself would love to do a 3-day walkabout in this area and head out the same way I came in.  If I had someone willing to help with an extra vehicle, I would love to attempt the journey to Cooper’s Landing.  

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The following was emailed to me by R.M. on August 23, 2005: "Lost Lake to Coopers Landing should be doable. The ranger told me there is so much snow machine activity in the winter that there is virtually a trail by following the damage the snow machines make. A ranger we saw on the trail mentioned that the Seward Fire Department (or another similar org.) had G.P.S.'d a proposed trail but no timing as to when it may be complete. The valley hooking north looked beautiful and very hikable - but we couldn't see beyond the valley where you would hook into the Resurrection Pass Trail, etc. so don't know what happens when you get below 2,000 feet.

*****

Important Info: 

Be very careful walking on the first glacier.  The broken rocks definitely help with traction but it’s not a guarantee you won’t slip.  Best to bring a walking stick to be safe.  Do not go near the crevasses! 

Important Information

You can use this trail in the winter but it's more of a snowmobiler's place during the snow season.

Be prepared for black flies.  You definitely want to bring the DEET.

Be aware of optical illusions.  A lot of destinations look like they’re just over the ridge but when you get to it, you realize there are a few lower ones in between. Think of a blanket with lots of folds.

Etc.