Guide to
Moose Valley Trail
in Kachemak Bay State Park
Trail Access: North End - Mile 1.0 China
Poot Lake Trail ; South End - Mile 0.8 Poot
Peak South
Allowable Uses: Hiking
Distance: 6.7 miles one way
Elevation Gain: 1,200 feet
Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult (long
grades)
Hiking Time: 3-4 Hours
Park Access:
Trail Description:
Beginning at China Poot Lake Trail junction (mile
1.0), this trail passes along the shore of Two Loon
Lake, ascends through forested ridges and valleys,
and then opens into Moose Valley's cottonwood
meadows - alive with wildflowers and cow parsnip
in mid-summer. Be attentive - tall grasses can
obscure trail markers. Look for high waterfalls
beyond the log footbridge over Moose Valley
Creek and the gravel bar campsite (mile 1.6).
Watch for goats on mountain ridges. Trail turns
south, then switchbacks up the back of Poot Peak
and passes the subalpine "Garden" lakes. (Trail
here may be obscured by snow in early summer.)
Trail ends at intersection with Poot Peak Trail.
Kachemak Bay State Park is accessed via boat from the Homer
Harbor. Local water taxis can provide transportation to most park
trailheads.
Camping:
Good camping on creek gravel bars above the ridge near mile 1.2,
developed site at mile 1.6, subalpine meadows near Poot Peak.
Water Availability:
Two Loon Lake; Moose Valley Creek; small streams; Garden Lakes.
Special Features:
Trail traverses a variety of landscapes from Spruce/Cottonwood
forest to open meadows and alpine lakes. Lightly travelled trail
affords opportunities for solitude. Much wildlife; particularly Moose
and Bear. Historic cabin along trail depicts areas history.
Park Rules:
For a complete set of park rules visit:
http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/kbay/kbay.htm
Alaska State Parks, Kenai Area Office
PO Box 1247
Soldotna, AK
(907) 262 - 5581
