Two Lakes Loop

Though you've probably come to Seward for water-based activities, you might want to switch it up with a stroll through the forest. This part of Alaska is covered with coastal temperate rainforest, where loads of moisture nourish deep woodlands that burst with moss and ferns. A short and easy hike among this forest can be found at Two Lakes--a peaceful community park tucked beside the town. The trails make a loop of about one mile around the little lakes, and there's a quick side trip to a waterfall. This walk is good not only for nature viewing, but for getting your legs back under you after getting off a boat. It's not a bad rainy day activity either, as the trail is well sheltered beneath a dense canopy.A sign at First Lake says you might see a variety of birdlife here, and that you can find wildflowers, wild berries, and mushrooms depending on the season. You might even see a moose or a bear. The sign also explains a bit about the past. The pond was apparently used for children's swim lessons in the early 20th century. There is clearly a lot of history in these woods, however--far more than the interpretive sign reveals. Look around and you might find some relics: rusty autos abandoned in the forest long ago. Most of these are located on an alternate trail, separate from the signed Two Lakes Loop. Many smaller side trails branch off the loop as well, so you could spend more time exploring among the trees. There are two trailheads from which you might begin the loop. One is near First Lake and located behind the AVTEC school building. The other is near Second Lake, at the south end of Vista Ave. It's easy enough to walk or bike to either spot if you don't have a vehicle in town.