Kayaking in Alaska: Two Glacial Lakes & Iditarod Trail

Emerald water and ridge-top views between two glacial lakes

Kayak across Trail Lake and Grant Lake near Moose Pass, Alaska, with a professional guide, paddling glacially carved waters and hiking a section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail between them. The route takes six to seven hours and includes kayak instruction, lunch and all gear. It suits travelers with moderate fitness who are comfortable on uneven terrain.

Step-by-step itinerary

Kayak and hike around Grant Lake

• Orientation and kayak instruction
• Kayak across Trail Lake
• Hike along Iditarod National Historic Trail
• Lunch by Grant Lake
• Kayak on Grant Lake
• Hike back to Moose Pass

The experience

The paddle starts on Trail Lake, where the water is fed by glaciers and the shores hold stories. Your guide shares the history of Moose Pass (Alaska Nellie, the gold miner Al, the Iditarod Trail itself) as you cross the lake under the Alaskan Railroad. Trail Lake empties into Kenai Lake, which draws salmon upstream, and the shores often host bears, moose and bald eagles. After the paddle, you hike up and over a ridge along a section of the Iditarod National Historic Trail, the route that once connected Seward north across Alaska.

The hike leads to Grant Lake, where the water is a deep emerald and the views open across the Chugach National Forest. Lunch happens here, on the shore. Then you paddle Grant Lake before hiking back down toward Moose Pass. The terrain is moderate but uneven and somewhat rugged, especially in spring and summer when vegetation grows thick along the trail. The whole day runs six to seven hours and includes kayak instruction at the start, a life jacket with a whistle, paddles, a small drybag, snacks, lunch and a basic first aid kit.

What’s included

• Professional guide in English.
• kayak instruction.
• tandem kayak for two people.
• life jacket with signalling whistle.
• paddle.
• small drybag.
• snacks and lunch.
• basic first aid kit.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 31 May 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (7 to 17 years) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Moose Pass Adventures

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want to combine paddling two glacial lakes with hiking the historic Iditarod Trail in a single day, all starting from Moose Pass town itself.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (7 to 17 years). Children under 7 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the Iditarod National Historic Trail and why does it matter to this route?

The Iditarod National Historic Trail is the original route that connected Seward north across Alaska, and Moose Pass sits right on it. Your guide participates in trail restoration work and shares the history of the trail and the people who traveled it, like the sled dog mushers. The hike between the two lakes follows a section of this trail over the ridge.

Will I see wildlife on the water or along the hike?

Bears and moose often appear along the shores of Trail Lake, and bald eagles are common in the area. The Chugach National Forest that surrounds Grant Lake hosts numerous bird and mammal species, though sightings depend on the day and the season.

Do I need kayaking experience to book this?

No. Your guide provides kayak instruction at the start of the day on Trail Lake. The paddling itself is across calm, glacially fed water, and the kayaks are tandem boats that seat two people, so you're paddling with your guide or a partner.

Is this activity suitable if I don't have a car in Moose Pass?

The activity departs from Moose Pass. If you're staying in the area or can arrange transport to Moose Pass, the guide and all equipment are included. Check with the operator about pickup options from nearby towns on the Kenai Peninsula.

What should I know about the hike between the two lakes?

The hike is moderately rated but crosses uneven, somewhat rugged terrain, especially in spring and summer when vegetation grows thick. You need at least a moderate level of physical fitness and comfort hiking on uneven ground. The hike takes you up and over a ridge to reach Grant Lake, then back down toward Moose Pass after paddling.