The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Bureau of Land Management manages wilderness, public lands, recreation areas, and national conservation areas. The main aim is to allow multiple land use and maintain resources for present and future generations. One point of interest in Alaska under the BLM's oversight is June Lake. It's a perfect vacation destination for people who love hiking, canoeing, and scenic drives. The best months to visit this area are June, July, and August.
Denali National Park is 192 miles from June Lake. The park has vast wilderness with a lot of wildlife species. You can enjoy adventures like camping, mountaineering, and flightseeing trips here. This park's popular winter activities include cross-country skiing, photography, and snowshoeing. Alternatively, you can head to Kenai Fjords National Park, 175 miles away. It's home to lush forests, towering glaciers, and abundant wildlife.
This is a short and lightly trafficked trail where you can hike, bird-watch, run, or enjoy nature walks. You can come with your pet but keep it on a leash.
Length: 0.4 miles
Intensity: Easy
This trail is only 10 miles from June Lake, and it passes through wetlands and tidal flats. You will enjoy panoramic views of Pioneer Peak and the Chugach and Talkeetna ranges. Other activities here include wildflower viewing and bird-watching.
Length: 1 mile
Intensity: Easy
The trail has a short boardwalk under a canopy of trees. It supports activities like hiking, running, and nature walking. Watch out for wildlife. At the end of the trail, there is a small table where you can set up a picnic and relax.
Length: 0.8 miles
Intensity: Easy
June Lake's most common fish species include rainbow trout, white sucker, and Chinook salmon. The recommended fishing methods here are baitcasting, fly-fishing, and spinning. The best time to fish in June Lake is in the summer months. You can also explore the waters with non-motorized boats.
Rock climbing is a popular activity in this part of Alaska. Near June Lake, you can head to Hatcher Pass State Recreation Area for traditional rock climbing and bouldering.
The grass and herbaceous plants covering the edges of June Lake serve as a habitat for marmots and numerous birds species. If you want to view more wildlife, head to the Palmer Hay Flats State Game Refuge, which is just 13 miles away. It's home to migrating ducks, spawning salmon, moose, and bears.
Though there are no picnic tables along the lake, visitors can set up a picnic on the shores. Remember to clean up before leaving.
You can hunt for ducks and other waterfowl around June Lake in the fall. Check the regulations and acquire the necessary permit before hunting in the area.
If you don't wish to park at the free Bureau of Land Management campgrounds, there are several RV camping options near June Lake. Forget Me Not RV Park is about eight miles away. The park accommodates larger RVs. You can buy firewood and rent a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard to explore the large ponds on-site. Other amenities in this park include fire pits, picnic tables, pull-through sites, and restrooms. Alternatively, you can head to Goose Bay Hideaway RV Campground, 15 miles away. The park has full hookups and can accommodate RVs of up to 50 feet. Big Bear Campground & RV Park is 14 miles from June Lake. The park has full hookups, picnic tables, grills, showers, a dump station, laundry facilities, and fire circles.
If you search for "free BLM camping near me," you will likely see the Knik River Public Use Area. It's a large open riverbed, 26 miles away, with a lot of parking space for Bureau of Land Management free camping. You can pitch a tent anywhere. This is also a perfect spot to ride bikes or quads.
Alaska weather is very unpredictable, so pack enough clothes for rain, wind, sun, or cold no matter when you travel. If you plan to use a tent, carry a strong one that can withstand strong winds and rain. Many of the campgrounds in the area have limited or no phone signal. So have your directions and reservations printed before you head out. These campsites are also far from major towns, so carry enough groceries and other supplies. Bring along sunscreen and insect repellant as well.
If you are planning on staying in RV parks, keep in mind that your options are somewhat limited in this area, so you may want to reserve a spot well ahead of time. Camping at a BLM site is typically much cheaper. These campsites are in the beautiful and unexplored wilderness, which brings you closer to nature. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
June Lake visitors should clean up before leaving the site to preserve the area's natural beauty. Pack up all trash and bury human waste at least eight inches deep. Dispose of wastewater at least 200 feet away from the lake. Use fire rings and keep the fire small. Leave plants, rocks, and other natural elements the way you found them. Observe wildlife from a distance and don't disturb them. By following these rules, you will participate in preserving these natural wonders.
To get to June Lake from Wasilla, head to north Willow through E Herning Ave. On N Willow St., turn left and drive for about one mile. Turn right onto E Parks Hwy (I-A4) and follow it for 2.1 miles. Then turn right onto N Church Rd. and drive for three miles. Turn left onto N Pittman Rd., and then turn left onto W Greensward Dr. for 0.3 miles. Take W Hollow Nook Dr., and then turn right onto N. Overview Dr. Continue on W. Airpark Dr. for 0.3 miles to reach your destination.
Ready to visit June Lake? An RV rental is a great way to experience your destination. Not only will you be close to all the action, but at the end of a long day exploring, you'll have your RV to return to for the night, where you'll enjoy a full kitchen, bathroom, and nice soft bed. Not sure about renting an RV? Here’s a step-by-step guide to renting an RV with RVshare.
