Facility · Alaska ·
Managed by the USDA Forest Service
Chugach National Forest (NF) · Open Access
This well maintained 2.7 mile trail winds its way through mature spruce-hemlock forest and ends at the north end of McKinley Lake. Several bridges allow hikers easy crossing over small streams. This trail also provides access to two public use recreation cabins. McKinley Trail Cabin (100 yards beyond the trailhead sign) and McKinley Lake Cabin (at the end of the trail). A rough, unmaintained trail continues for 1/4 mile past the lake cabin and accesses the remains of the Lucky Strike Mine. Interpretive signs guide visitors through the history and remains of the abandoned mine and mining camp. Midway, Pipeline Lakes Trail joins McKinley Trail for an optional loop.
Length: 2.7 miles
USGS Map: Cordova (B-4)
60.44342, -145.21991 · 60°26'36.3"N 145°13'11.7"W
Typically 62°F in Aug, down to 34°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 34 | 37 | 39 | 47 | 54 | 59 | 62 | 62 | 56 | 48 | 38 | 35 |
| Low °F | 19 | 21 | 23 | 30 | 37 | 44 | 48 | 46 | 40 | 33 | 25 | 22 |
| Precip in | 6.2 | 6.0 | 4.7 | 4.5 | 5.4 | 4.6 | 5.7 | 9.9 | 13.2 | 10.9 | 7.2 | 8.0 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 8.5 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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