Type: Trail, Point-to-point
Difficulty: 4 / 10
Elev. Gain/Loss: 1,100 ft / 0 ft
Filed Under: Cycling
Located in Chugach National Forest near Anchorage, this is a beautiful ride in the summer. Trail follows Russian River, passes the Russian River Falls, Lower Russian Lake, Upper Russian Lake, and Cooper Lake. Fairly easy ride.
Trail is closed to saddle/packstock from April 1-June 30 and motorized vehicles from Feb. 16-Nov. 30. Boil surface water at least 5 minutes before drinking. Extra precautions should be taken in the wintertime, as the weather can change drastically. Please contact the Chugach National Forest for more information.
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.
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.
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