Triple Lakes Trail in Denali National Park

Easy hike around Triple Lakes Trail in Denali NP, Alaska

Starting point

Free parking near Denali Grizzly Bear Resort.
 

Description of the hike

This trek was closed at the time of our visit, as was the rest of Denali Park. It had been on fire for about 10 days. The rangers at the entrance to the park told us, with a rueful smile on their lips, that although it was closed, they had no way to enforce the ban and if we went, it was up to us. But no one will help us if we get in trouble.

The fire was already under control, they opened the next day. So we went from the other (south) side and only went about halfway up the whole route, just past the lake, basically the highest point of the route. The trailhead was in a nearby parking lot (unpaid), and there is a souvenir and liquor store where you can get refreshments (I recommend the local Husky Ipu).

Almost the entire trail is through the woods, it's groomed but narrow. Here and there you will get nice views of the lakes and surrounding mountains. The terrain undulates slightly and at one point you have to cross train tracks. The turn-offs to the lakes are signposted and always lead you back. Normally you start in the park and have about 15 km to go to the lakes, then there is a shuttle bus back to the park. There is only one way to go, there is nowhere to get lost.
 

Difficulty

An easy all-day trek that can be done by untrained individuals and older children. No food or drink can be bought along the way. However, you can always return back to the start where there are facilities.
 

Water availability

You cannot buy water on the way, max refill from the lake (untested - I would recommend to filter the lake water).
 

Sleeping options

There are various accommodations and campsites around Denali, you just have to choose. We have tried Cantwell Lodge.
 

Danger

As on other treks everywhere in Alaska, it's the wildlife, especially bears, in addition to the weather. At the park entrance on official trails, most rangers will tell you how to behave. 
 

Food

A small snack and 0,5 l of water per person was enough for the whole trip.
 

Attractions

Denali National Park (Mt. McKinely)

Entrance to the park costs 15 USD/ 7 days. Free toilets are available at each parking lot. Shuttle buses in the park are free, they stop at "stops" when you get on so you go. If you hit the driver's mouthpiece, you'll learn lots of interesting things along the way and they'll stop for photos. You can find the schedule on the park's official website.

There was a fire pit at the second lake, but I wouldn't make a fire here :). In Denali, you can also take an approximately 6 hour guided bus tour ($25 fee) into the heart of the park to see Mt. Denali / Mt. McKinley 6,190 ft. above sea level (the highest mountain in North America). There is a base for other tours, unfortunately not accessible for us.

For fans of the book / movie Into The Wild, further up the road above Denali towards Fairbanks is the start of the famous Stampede Trail. Years ago when I read this wonderful and in many ways motivating book and then saw the movie, it was simply one of the must see places in the world. Unfortunately, the Magic Bus is no longer at the end of the trail as of 2020.

A lot of people got the same idea and made the pilgrimage to the place where Christopher aka Alexander Supertramp died at the age of 24. And because there were more victims, the government sent in an army helicopter and moved the Magic Bus to Fairbanks where a local university is trying to reconstruct it. Right now (2024), only online viewing is possible.

Bears in Alaska

Caution is definitely in order, I'll leave it up to everyone, I'll just write our experience and it was basically true in all the locations we visited. Bears are not primarily interested in humans, and if you have at least one person in your group who can talk now and then, the bear will know about you and all is well.

You must not surprise/threaten him. If you have already met him, you are to get out of his way/not run away. If your group doesn't talk, just put a bell on your pack. If you want to feel safe, you can buy a spray to scare the bear away. Instructional materials say do a wind check, arm and fire, range was I think within 10 yards.

If you're attacked by a black bear, you're supposed to actively defend yourself. If a brown bear, you are to make a dead run and protect your vital organs, if it continues to attack anyway, active defense is to follow on your part (untested). Park rangers will give you a briefing if requested. Ironically, more people are injured by moose than bears. If you go all the way to the town of Fairbanx take the old AK8 road, the turnoff just past Denali Park. As far as panoramas go, probably the prettiest road in Alaska ever.

In Fairbanx, be sure to visit the Pioneer Museum, where you'll be amazed by the history. The museum has a voluntary admission fee and lots of exhibits. Alternatively, you can take a plane ride across the Arctic Circle to the Yukon River to the village of Fort Yukon, where you have about 1 hour to explore. A nice lady drove us around in a school bus and talked about life. If the weather works out you will experience some awesome views along the way. Next, don't miss the kingdom of kitsch...the town of North Pole where you'll be greeted by a larger than life Santa, electric poles in the style of his wands and other highlights :)