A bird sitting on a nest of eggs.

Hiking Near Big Lake, Alaska

Shorter Routes icon

Shorter Routes

These hikes keep it under 5 miles and climb less than 1,500 feet, making them ideal for quicker outings or lower-key days. Perfect for a morning stretch, a casual afternoon, or getting outside without committing to a big push. Don’t let the stats fool you — many still pack in great views and rewarding moments.

Thunderbird Falls

Hike Route

Thunderbird Falls

Family Friendly
moderate
1.84 mi
+507 ft
Chester Creek Trail

Hike Route

Chester Creek Trail

Dogs Allowed
easy
3.24 mi
+174 ft
Pioneer Loop

Hike Route

Pioneer Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
1.21 mi
+80 ft
Independence Mine State Historical Park

Hike Route

Independence Mine State Historical Park

Views
easy
1.08 mi
+209 ft
Gold Cord Lake Out-and-Back

Hike Route

Gold Cord Lake Out-and-Back

Birding
moderate
1.77 mi
+524 ft
Albert Loop

Hike Route

Albert Loop

Birding
moderate
3.09 mi
+489 ft
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Adventurous Routes

These routes go beyond 10 miles and are built for days when you want to cover more ground and push a little deeper. Expect longer distances, more effort, and bigger payoffs — whether that’s remote terrain, summit views, or a full-day challenge. Ideal for hikers looking to go farther and stay out longer.

Baldy to Mile High

Hike Route

Baldy to Mile High

Views
strenuous
28.22 mi
+13,374 ft
Temptation Peak via the Dome

Hike Route

Temptation Peak via the Dome

Lake
strenuous
17.16 mi
+7,815 ft
Tikishla Peak Loop

Hike Route

Tikishla Peak Loop

River/Creek
strenuous
12.67 mi
+5,363 ft
Williwaw Lakes Tour

Hike Route

Williwaw Lakes Tour

Commonly Backpacked
strenuous
19.38 mi
+4,477 ft
Eklutna High Ridge Traverse

Hike Route

Eklutna High Ridge Traverse

Lake
strenuous
24.49 mi
+10,833 ft
Williwaw Lakes + Mount Elliot Scramble

Hike Route

Williwaw Lakes + Mount Elliot Scramble

Lake
extreme
14.18 mi
+3,452 ft

Other Nearby Routes

Not finding what you're looking for? These additional nearby hikes offer more ways to get outside and explore the area. With a mix of lengths, difficulty levels, and terrain, you're likely to find something that fits your plans for the day. And remember, you can always use the onX Route Builder to create your own adventure from scratch.

Baldy-Blacktail Hike

Hike Route

Baldy-Blacktail Hike

Birding
strenuous
7.11 mi
+3,047 ft
Mount Magnificent Route

Hike Route

Mount Magnificent Route

Views
strenuous
5.88 mi
+3,401 ft
Middle Earth Trail

Hike Route

Middle Earth Trail

Fall Colors
moderate
7.27 mi
+573 ft
Government Peak Climb

Hike Route

Government Peak Climb

Views
strenuous
5.47 mi
+3,847 ft
Near Point

Hike Route

Near Point

Views
moderate
6.83 mi
+2,227 ft
Middle Fork Loop

Hike Route

Middle Fork Loop

Fall Colors
moderate
9.58 mi
+1,437 ft