Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Ascending into on the ridge out of the tree line. The day we did this adventure, there were severe wildfires burning on the Kenai Peninsula just over the mountains. Unfortunately, the smoke obscured some of our views.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Looking back on a stretch of trail over the ridge. After steep inclines through the woods, this section is a heavy reprieve.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Please respect fire safety rules of the area. As we did this hike through wildfire smoke from several thousand acres, the irony was not lost on us.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
You'll pass quite a few of these shallow ponds on the way to and past Lost Lake. They're a nice source of water if you have a filter, but not too enticing for much else.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Our first glimpse at Lost Lake sure was breathtaking (or maybe that was just the smoke).
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
The first of Lost Lake's two peninsulas. While there is no camping on the peninsulas themselves (though feel free to hike out!), the base of them, as shown, is spectacular camping, too.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Lots of places to set up camp along the lake shores. The lower you go, the marshier it is. Near the base of the first peninsula, however, the land is solid and relatively flat.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Early morning calls for glassy waters on Lost Lake. No better way to wake up than a refreshing dip.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Lost Lake, its peninsulas, and Mount Ascension in the background. For those looking for an extra challenge, Mount Ascension is climbable, but that's an entirely different beast.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
The best view of Lost Lake. This super interestingly shaped lake looks this blue just about constantly. The water is clean and teeming with stocked fish for those with a license and looking to catch fresh dinner.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Looking back toward Lost Lake from the exposed hills just beyond. If hiking northbound from Seward, this is your first true glimpse of Lost Lake.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
In places, the trail is wide and group friendly, especially on the exposed hills after the lake. In others, it gets narrow enough for only one in line with the others.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
In June and July, stop and take in the smells of all the wonderful wildflowers. Later in August and September, be on the lookout for berrying opportunities. The area is ripe with blueberries, crowberries, and more.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Hiking toward Resurrection Peaks (4,712 ft at the highest peak), the spectacular mountains that border the northern edge of Seward and Kenai Fjords National Park.
Amber McDaniel
Photo Date: 
06/29/2019
Even in a rare wildfire infested summer, Alaska is lush and almost unbelievably alive. Even the smoke in the air couldn't put a damper on these views.