Are you an outdoor enthusiast looking for a thrilling DIY Alaska canoe trip adventure? Look no further than Lynx Lake in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Alaska. This pristine location offers an unforgettable experience for canoeing enthusiasts, with its serene waters, abundant wildlife, and picturesque scenery. Our comprehensive guide will help you plan and execute a successful and memorable DIY Alaska canoe trip along the Lynx Lake Loop. If you liked this DIY trip please be sure to check out some of our other articles here.
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area
Nancy Lake State Recreation Area is a gem in the heart of Alaska, located just 67 miles north of Anchorage. This vast, 22,685-acre area is renowned for its interconnected lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. It is a haven for outdoor activities such as canoeing, fishing, camping, and hiking.
Why Choose Lynx Lake for Your DIY Alaska Canoe Trip?
Lynx Lake, part of the Nancy Lake Canoe Trail System, is a top destination for canoe enthusiasts. The Lynx Lake Loop offers a unique and serene paddling experience, surrounded by the beauty of Alaskan wilderness. With minimal long distance portaging and well-marked routes, it is ideal for both novice and experienced paddlers looking for a DIY Alaska Canoe trip. We recently enjoyed this same trip as an overnight outing in May. The Lynx Lake Loop also offers various options for an extended DIY Alaska canoe trip. With additional time, there are numerous connected bodies of water that can be explored from this route.
Planning Your Canoe Trip
Best Time to Visit
The best time to embark on a canoe trip to Lynx Lake is from late May to early September. During this period, the weather is more favorable, and the water levels are optimal for paddling. Our trip in May saw minimal mosquitoes. However, we endured a brief spell of weather while paddling Lynx Lake. We chose to spread the trip out of two days and one night. However, the trip can be completed as a single day trip during the Summer months so long as you pursue an early start.
Necessary Permits and Regulations
- Permits: No special permits are required for canoeing in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. However, a parking pass is required which may be obtained through a kiosk at the South Rolly Campground.
- Regulations: Follow all park rules, including those regarding campfires, wildlife interaction, and waste disposal. Always practice Leave No Trace principles. While fishing, all Northern Pike caught must be dispatched and not released live. Northern Pike are an invasive species to this part of South Central Alaska.
Packing Essentials
- Canoe and Paddles: Ensure your canoe is in good condition and suitable for lake paddling. We rented ours from Tippecanoe outfitters located at South Rolly Campground.
- Life Jackets: Mandatory for all paddlers.
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment, and food supplies.
- Clothing: Layered clothing suitable for varying weather conditions, waterproof jacket, and sturdy footwear.
- Safety Gear: First aid kit, map, compass or GPS, and bear spray.
- Other Essentials: Sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
Canoeing the Lynx Lake Loop – DIY Alaska Canoe Trip
Route Description
The Lynx Lake Loop is a 7-mile paddle that takes you through a series of connected lakes and short portages. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the loop:
- Start at Tanaina Lake: Launch your canoe from the well-marked canoe launch area. Paddle south toward your first portage. All portages are marked with a blaze orange “P” sign.
- First Portage: The southern route starts with two longer portages. A short few hundred meter paddle on an Milo Pond connects the two portages that lead south to Little Noluck Lake. A small two plank boardwalk assists with navigation through the muskeg conditions.
- Little Noluck Lake: Your next significant paddle takes you southeast through Little Noluck Lake.
- Second Portage: This short 100 meter portage connects Little Noluck Lake to Big Noluck Lake. There is a nice camping spot here on the isthmus that splits the two lakes. For a multiday trip this could be a great camping spot to rest at before venturing deeper into the lake system.
- Big Noluck Lake and Chicken Lake: Paddle south through Big Noluck Lake to a short portage into Chicken Lake. Continue paddling south .77 miles to a portage takeout on the southeast bank of Chicken Lake.
- James and Owl Lake: After a .18 mile portage east put in at James Lake. Paddle east across James Lake to the lake’s northeast take out. Here you will have a .08 mile portage into Owl Lake.
- Charr Lake: From Owl journey northeast and portage the .11 miles to Charr Lake. This is the last lake before Lynx Lake. There are eight campsites between Charr Lake and Lynx Lake.
- Lynx Lake With a short portage from Charr lake enter Lynx Lake. The lake is home to three Alaska State public use cabins. If planning a multi-day trip these cabins make a conveninent stop for groups before completing the rest of Lynx Lake Loop.
- Little Frazer Lake When ready to depart Lynx Lake, paddle north to the takeout. Portage .09 miles to Little Frazer Lake. Here continue paddling north toward the larger Frazer Lake.
- Frazer and Jacknife Lakes After portaging to Frazer Lake’s put in paddle .61 miles to a marshy canal. As you paddle through the slick bends of the connecting creek you will enter Jacknife Lake. If the water levels are good this movement will require no portaging between Frazer and Jacknife Lake. However, at Jacknife Lake you will find a takeout dock. Follow the trail for a .21 mile portage toward Ardaw Lake. This is one of the longest portages of the loop.
- Ardaw and Milo Lake At Ardaw Lake put in your canoe and paddle west. You will pass a bottleneck where the lake will then open up to its main body. Continue west for .51 miles. Portage .14 miles to Milo Lake. Three campsites between Ardaw Lake and Milo Lake offer great stopping spots for a multi-day trip.
- Tainana Lake As you traverse Milo Lake you will likely see an increase in paddler traffic. You are nearly finished. A short .07 mile portage takes you from Milo Lake west into Tainana Lake. Paddle west to your put in location. Congratulations you have paddled the Lynx Lake Loop!
Safety Tips
- Weather: Always check the weather forecast before setting out. Be prepared for sudden changes.
- Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from wildlife. Store food securely to avoid attracting bears.
- Navigation: Carry a detailed map of the area and a GPS device to stay on course.
Camping and Accommodations
Recommended Camping Sites
- Lynx Lake Campsites: There are designated camping areas around Lynx Lake with basic amenities.
- Backcountry Camping: For a more rustic experience, you can camp at undeveloped sites along the route. Ensure you follow Leave No Trace principles.
Nearby Lodging Options
- Nancy Lake State Recreation Area Cabins: There are a few public-use cabins available for rent. These can be reserved through the Alaska State Parks website.
- Local Lodges: Several lodges and bed-and-breakfasts are located in nearby Willow, offering more comfortable accommodations.
- South Rolly Campground: This “pull-up” style campground offers RV and tent sites with basic amenities like latrines and picnic tables. It is a short 8 minute drive from the Tainana Lake put in.
Fishing and Wildlife Viewing
Fish Species
Lynx Lake is home to various fish species, including:
- Rainbow Trout
- Arctic Grayling
- Northern Pike
Best Fishing Spots
- Shoreline Areas: Fish near the vegetation along the shore for the best chances of catching trout and grayling.
- Deeper Waters: Pike are often found in the deeper parts of the lake.
Wildlife to Look Out For
- Birds: Loons, eagles, and waterfowl are common around Lynx Lake.
- Mammals: Beavers, otters, and occasionally moose can be spotted along the shores.
Sustainable and Responsible Travel
Leave No Trace Principles
- Pack It In, Pack It Out: Take all your trash with you.
- Minimize Campfire Impact: Use a camp stove for cooking instead of making a fire. Use designated fire rings.
- Respect Wildlife: Observe animals from a distance without disturbing them.
DIY Alaska Canoe Trip
A DIY Alaska canoe trip along the Lynx Lake Loop in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Alaska, promises an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, serene waters, and abundant wildlife. Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, this journey offers a perfect blend of excitement and tranquility. So pack your gear, plan your route, and set out for an unforgettable experience in the heart of Alaska’s wilderness. Happy paddling!