Tucked away in the heart of the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, Red Shirt Lake is a tranquil, remote destination that captures the rugged beauty and wilderness serenity Alaska is known for. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful hike, a backcountry canoe adventure, or a rustic lakeside camping experience, Red Shirt Lake Alaska offers an unforgettable escape from the everyday hustle.

This guide will take you through everything you need to know about visiting Red Shirt Lake, from trailhead directions to what to pack, safety tips, and what makes this destination so uniquely special.

Getting to Red Shirt Lake

Reaching Red Shirt Lake begins with a drive north from Anchorage, approximately 1.5 hours via the George Parks Highway. At mile 67.3, turn west onto Nancy Lake Parkway. This road continues for about 6.5 miles and ends at the South Rolly Lake Campground, which also serves as the Red Shirt Lake Trailhead.

Make sure to look for the correct entrance. Many visitors have taken wrong turns due to confusing signage. Avoid turning near the Polaris snow machine shop and instead look for the Nancy Lake Park Road entrance, marked just past a log cabin building operation.

Hiking the Red Shirt Lake Trail

The Red Shirt Lake Trail is a 5.6-mile out-and-back trail (about 8.9 km) that’s considered moderate in difficulty, with a 750-foot elevation gain spread out over gentle, rolling terrain. This makes it accessible for many hikers, although not ideal for strollers or very young children unless they’re prepared for the trek.

You’ll pass through densely wooded areas, glacial hills, and thick brush teeming with local flora like devil’s club, watermelon berries, and raspberries. In clearings, you can catch glimpses of the Chugach and Alaska Ranges, especially during the fall months when the foliage begins to drop.

Bug repellent is absolutely essential—especially in the summer months when calm days bring out swarms of mosquitoes. Hiking during a breezy day can help mitigate the worst of it.

What Awaits at Red Shirt Lake

Once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by the pristine beauty of Red Shirt Lake—a peaceful, glassy body of water surrounded by forest and quiet. Unlike many heavily trafficked Alaskan destinations, Red Shirt Lake feels undiscovered and personal. You’re unlikely to run into many others, making it an ideal location for solitude and reflection.

At the lake, you’ll find:

• Four public-use cabins (reservations required)
  
• Primitive campsites
  
• A small, seasonal outhouse
  
• Access to stored canoes (rental and key pickup required beforehand)
  

Keep in mind that the lake is also home to several private cabins, so respect property boundaries while exploring.

Canoeing and Cabin Rentals

One of the highlights of Red Shirt Lake is the ability to canoe across its calm waters, exploring its shoreline or reaching one of the remote cabins only accessible by water in the summer. Canoe rentals are available, but they must be arranged in advance, as there are no on-site staff. Rentals and keys are typically handled at the South Rolly Campground or via Tippecanoe Rentals in Willow.

For overnight stays, public-use cabins can be reserved through the Alaska Department of Natural Resources. These rustic cabins offer a cozy retreat for those looking to truly immerse themselves in the wild.

When to Visit Red Shirt Lake

The best time to visit Red Shirt Lake is between May and October, when the trail is dry and temperatures are milder. In the fall, the golden leaves and reduced bug activity make for an ideal hiking and camping experience. During the winter months, access becomes more limited. Nancy Lake Parkway is only plowed to mile 2.2, and winter access must be made via the East Red Shirt Lake Trail or Chicken Lake Cross Park Trail, suitable for skiing and snowshoeing.

What to Bring

Preparation is key when venturing to Red Shirt Lake. Here’s a recommended packing list:

• Bug repellent
  
• Drinking water or a water filtration system
  
• Hiking boots (due to muddy or root-covered spots)
  
• Bear spray and noise makers (especially in dense brush)
  
• Trail map or GPS
  
• Cash or Alaska State Parks pass for the $5 parking fee
  
• Canoe key and rental confirmation if planning to paddle
  

Due to its remoteness, cell service is unreliable, and the trail does not have signage at every turn, so navigation preparation is important.

Camping Options

If you’re not up for backpacking gear to the lake, a smart alternative is to camp at South Rolly Lake Campground. This established site features amenities and allows for a comfortable basecamp. You can enjoy a day hike to Red Shirt Lake and return to a more developed site in the evening.

Trail Reviews and Tips

Many trail-goers describe Red Shirt Lake as a peaceful and rewarding hike, especially for those seeking a quiet, non-touristy location. The trail can get muddy in places and buggy in the summer, but the natural beauty and lakeside tranquility make it more than worthwhile.

Some final pro-tips:

• Start early to avoid heat and bugs.
  
• Bring a picnic to enjoy at the lake.
  
• Stop by Miller’s on the Parks Highway for a post-hike treat (and a free biscuit for your dog if you’re hiking with one).
  

A Hidden Gem Worth the Effort

While Red Shirt Lake may not offer dramatic glaciers or towering alpine peaks, its subtle beauty lies in its untouched forest, peaceful waters, and accessible adventure. For hikers and paddlers who want to escape the crowds and soak in the pure essence of Alaskan backcountry, this trail delivers in every way.

Whether you’re looking to camp, canoe, hike, or simply relax in the silence of nature, Red Shirt Lake Alaska provides a perfect retreat—quiet, rugged, and undeniably authentic.