Skip to main content
Satellite imagery via Esri World Imagery
Easy

Carter Lake Trail

Cooper Landing, Alaska · Kenai Peninsula County · US Forest Service · TR 304

Carter Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Cooper Landing in Kenai Peninsula County, Alaska.. Managed by US Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

Advertisement
60.48975, -149.46386
Open in OpenStreetMap
5-Day Forecast

Weather at Carter Lake Trail

Live forecast for the trailhead. Use it to pack and time your hike.

Avg High38°F
Avg Low31°F
Peak Rain Chance66%
Humidity92%
UV (avg)2
Air Quality29 · Good
Today
🌨
Heavy Snow Showers
38°/33°
💧 66%🌬 3mph
↑ 8:02 AM ↓ 7:31 PM
Thu
🌨
Snow Showers
36°/32°
💧 19%🌬 2mph
↑ 8:04 AM ↓ 7:28 PM
Fri
☁️
Overcast
37°/24°
💧 1%🌬 3mph
↑ 8:06 AM ↓ 7:25 PM
Sat
🌨
Light Snow
39°/30°
💧 30%🌬 4mph
↑ 8:09 AM ↓ 7:22 PM
Sun
🌦
Drizzle
42°/38°
💧 47%🌬 3mph
↑ 8:11 AM ↓ 7:19 PM

Forecast data © Open-Meteo. Refreshed every 6 hours. Always check the most recent forecast before heading out.

About Carter Lake Trail

Carter Lake Trail is a easy hiking trail near Cooper Landing in Kenai Peninsula County, Alaska.. Managed by US Forest Service. Trail data is sourced from OpenStreetMap.

What “Easy” Means

Gentle terrain, well-marked. Suitable for all ages and fitness levels.

Difficulty is derived from OpenStreetMap’s Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) hiking scale, trail visibility, surface, distance, and elevation gain. Always verify current conditions before heading out.

What to Pack & Wear

Personalised to this trail’s length, elevation, difficulty, and the live forecast.

👔 What to Wear

  • 🧥
    Light insulated jacket
    Fleece or light puffy you can stash if you warm up.
  • 👖
    Hiking pants
    Quick-dry softshell or fleece-lined.
  • 🧤
    Light gloves + beanie
    Especially if you start before sunrise.
  • 🥾
    Sturdy hiking boots
    Wool or synthetic-blend socks.
  • ☔
    Rain jacket / shell
    66% chance of precipitation in the forecast.

🎒 What to Pack

  • 💧
    Water
    Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
  • 🍫
    High-energy snacks
    A snack for the trail.
  • 🧴
    Sun protection
    Sunscreen, sunglasses, brimmed hat.
  • 🩹
    First-aid kit
    Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
  • 🗺
    Offline map
    Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
  • 🛍
    Dry bags for electronics
    Phone, camera, and snacks should stay dry.
  • 🔥
    Hand warmers
    Cold mornings — chemical warmers fit in gloves or pockets.

Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.

Trail Safety in Alaska

Trail conditions in Alaska change with weather, season, and fire activity. Closures, washouts, and rerouting are common. Before heading out:

  • Check with the land manager for current conditions and closures
  • Tell someone your plan and expected return time
  • Know your turn-around limits — conditions can change fast
  • Carry the 10 essentials: water, food, navigation, first aid, light, fire, shelter, knife, sun protection, extra clothes

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard is Carter Lake Trail?

Carter Lake Trail is rated Easy. Suitable for most hikers including families.

Are horses allowed on Carter Lake Trail?

No — this trail is closed to horses.

When is the best time to hike Carter Lake Trail?

Alaska has trail conditions that vary by season. Spring and fall usually offer the best mix of temperature and trail conditions. Check the 5-day forecast above for current outlook. Always verify trail status (closures, washouts, fire restrictions) with the local land manager before going.

Who manages Carter Lake Trail?

Carter Lake Trail is managed by US Forest Service. Check the operator’s website for current permits, fees, and restrictions.