![]() ![]() According to Robert Begich with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, “a feature that is attractive about Hidden Lake is that for a large lake it does not get too rough, and it is deep with relatively few boating hazards.” I know this for a fact as my family spends time fishing, exploring, boating and camping out along the islands.Ī highlight of my summer is to catch a fresh “laker,” wrap it in aluminum foil, and cook it in a hot-coal campfire with butter and lemon and fry some potatoes on a skillet. ![]() The deepest portion of the lake is the first third of the lake from the boat launch to the start of the islands. The depth of the lake varies from really shallow (less than 10 feet) to its maximum depth of 148 feet. Throughout summer weekends, the boat trailer parking lot is full as visitors access the lake with canoes, kayaks, powerboats, and even a few sailboats. Now, as the largest Kenai Refuge campground with 44 camp sites, handicapped accessibility, picnic areas, and a boat launch, it receives the most camping use within the Refuge. ![]() Hidden Lake Campground received an overhaul in 1989 when the campground was paved, new camp loops were added (Ridge and Skyview) and sites were defined each with a parking space, hardened tent surface, fire grate, and picnic table. The awe inspiring beauty of the area may also provoke your curiosity about the topography and forest history of this area. Leaving technology behind helps you make an unhindered connection with nature to recharge your mind and spirit. Hidden Lake Campground, located 3.5 miles from the east entrance of Skilak Lake Road, is a favorite camping spot for locals and visitors where pleasures range from enjoying a campfire to sighting a black bear. Hidden Lake, largely unseen or “hidden” from this road, leads me to believe this may be the origin of its name. The 18.8 mile-long Skilak Lake Road was part of the original Sterling Highway built back in the late 1940s. In writing this article, I did a little digging to uncover some interesting facts about this “hidden gem” of the Kenai Peninsula. It dawned on me that in the sixteen years I’ve worked here, I hadn’t given it much thought despite the huge amount of time I spend in the campground both for work and play. ![]() Recently, I was asked how Hidden Lake Campground received its name. The main hiking trail out of the camp leads up the nearby mountain to the top before arching over and back down to the shores of the Little Tennessee River.I am often asked thought provoking questions while working in the Kenai Refuge Visitor Center. It’s a wonderful escape, though, and the time can be occupied with plenty of campfires, fishing, swimming, boating, and hiking. Wi-Fi is also provided up at the main office/bathhouse/sitting area, because you likely won’t have much cell service. The entire campground is very well kept, and they actually have firewood and ice available for purchase onsite. This is also where the main office is located, along with the main location for trash. The owner, Gerry, does a great job keeping the bathrooms nice and clean, and there is a wonderful, relaxing sitting area with a grill and large sink at the top of the hill overlooking the lake. The individual campsites are varying in size, from literally almost 100 yards across to your more traditional 1-2 tent pads, and they even have some backpacking sites available well up the side of the mountain! Multiple RV hookups are hosted near the stage that can be used for live music, and the facilities sit in a central location. First of all, the campground has traditional campsites, RV hookups, and small cabins nestled into a small valley adorned with an emerald green lake. ![]()
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