Rabbit Lake Hiking Guide

Rabbit Lake sits in a high, treeless bowl beneath the jagged Suicide Peaks, a surprisingly wild spot for somewhere you can reach from an Anchorage neighbourhood. The Rabbit Lake Trail follows an old roadbed up a broad valley with gentle grades and wide views, making it one of the most approachable longer hikes in Chugach State Park.

no permit neededdog-friendly
Difficulty
moderate
Distance
8.8 mi
Elevation gain
1,200 ft
Trailhead
Anchorage (Hillside)
alpine lakeSuicide Peaks backdropvalley walkbackpacking option
summerfall

The Trail

Alaska State Parks lists the Rabbit Lake Trail at 4.4 miles one way with about 1,200 feet of gain, for an 8.8-mile round trip; mapping apps put the gain nearer 1,550 feet. Much of the route follows an old roadbed with steady, moderate grades. Bikes are allowed as far as the lake.

The Lake

Rabbit Lake sits under the Suicide Peaks in open alpine terrain. Alaska State Parks warns that the lakes can be extremely windy, so pack a warm, windproof layer even on sunny days. Longer options include a route over to McHugh Lake and a traverse to the Seward Highway, which require more time and navigation.

Trailhead Parking

The trail starts from the Rabbit Creek trailhead on Lower Canyon Road on Anchorage's Hillside. Parking is limited, so arrive early on summer weekends and park only in designated spaces. The trailhead is not listed on Alaska State Parks' daily-fee schedule; check posted signs when you arrive.

Wildlife

Chugach State Park has hundreds of black bears plus brown bears, and moose are common in the valleys. Carry bear spray, make noise, and give moose plenty of room. Be especially alert in brushy stretches where visibility is limited.

Seasons

Summer and early fall are best. Snow lingers in the valley into June, and autumn brings brilliant colour to the tundra and berry bushes. In winter and spring, the surrounding slopes are avalanche terrain; check avalanche conditions before any off-season trip.

Hiking tips for Rabbit Lake

  • Pack a windproof layer — Alaska State Parks warns the lake can be extremely windy.
  • Arrive early; parking at the Rabbit Creek trailhead is limited.
  • Carry bear spray and make noise in brushy sections.
  • Plan for snow in the valley into June.
  • Check avalanche conditions before any winter or spring trip.

Nearby trails to explore

  • Flattop Mountain
  • Wolverine Peak
  • Bird Ridge

Hike this trail with TrailMates

Rabbit Lake is a big Chugach day with gentle grades. Use TrailMates to find Anchorage hikers for a weekend lake hike. Download the TrailMates app to connect.