The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is responsible for 1 in every 10 acres of land in the U.S.
The Swede Lake Trail is one of many Gulkana River Designated Trails in Alaska off of the Denali Highway. This is an out-and-back trail that extends for approximately ten miles along the Gulkana River and includes access to Swede Lake, which is a part of the Tangle Lakes Archeological District. The Tangle Lakes Archeological District is known for protecting prehistoric artifacts from civilizations using the area up to 10,000 years ago. Aside from hiking, biking, and off-roading the Swede Lake Trail, visitors can fish and boat in Swede Lake at the trail's end, picnic around the lake or trailhead, and enjoy watching the wildlife in their natural habitat.
The Swede Lake Trail is a trail maintained by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a US government organization that keeps it clean for visitors and the native wildlife to enjoy. The Swede Lake Trail is one of 13 trails in the area that the BLM maintains, and it is the northernmost trail of these.
The Swede Lake Trail itself is made up of generally flat terrain and allows trail users access to Alphabet Hills and Dickey Lake. Swede Lake is located three miles up the trail where fishing and non-motorized boating is permitted.
Length: 10 miles
Intensity: Easy
Also located in the Tangle Lakes Archeological District is Glacier Lake Trail, which includes access to Glacier Gap Lake and a special day-use area.
Length: 2 miles
Intensity: Easy
The Landmark Gap Trail is generally rocky and dry but includes one marsh that users will cross to reach the southern end of Landmark Gap Lake.
Length: 3 miles
Intensity: Moderate
Fishing is common in Swede Lake, and species anglers may find include lake trout, grayling, whitefish, and burbot. Anglers can also fish in the Gulkana River for sockeye salmon. Canoeing, kayaking, and paddling are popularly enjoyed in Swede Lake and Gulkana River too since motorized boating is prohibited. Anyone looking to enjoy recreation in these water areas should note that bears are usually present since they prey on the large population of salmon.
All-terrain vehicle and off-road riding are popular along the ten-mile-long Swede Lake Trail in the warmer months. Visitors can follow the marked path of this trail but are discouraged from riding farther than 0.5 miles off the trail and should obtain maps from the BLM's website to plan their trips beforehand. Snowmobile riding is also permitted in the winter when six inches or more of snow are present.
Plenty of wild species call the Swede Lake Trail area their home from moose and black bears to red foxes and grizzly bears. During the fall months, visitors may be able to see migrating groups of caribou, and raptors are usually seen year-round when snowshoe hares are abundant. Birds of the area include trumpeter swans, loons, long-tailed ducks, arctic terns, and red-necked phalaropes.
There are no picnic benches or tables set up along the Swede Lake Trail, but trail users can still stop to have lunch around Swede Lake at the head of the trail. Consider bringing folding chairs to sit on since the ground is usually quite wet and muddy as well as your own trash bags since there are typically no trash receptacles along the trail.
Besides the Bureau of Land Management campgrounds surrounding the Swede Lake Trail, there are a bunch of RV camping options with hookups. One nearby place you can try is Centennial Campground, which has water and electric hookups plus bathrooms and showers on site. You can also consider Grizzly Lake Campground which offers canoes, paddleboards, and fishing gear for rent.
If you are looking for BLM camping near me, check out some of the BLM-owned campgrounds near the Swede Lake Trail. One option you have is Sourdough Creek Campground, which has vault restrooms, campsites with fire rings, and allows RVs into camp. You may also be able to set up your own campsite directly at the Swede Lake Trail area in a dispersed camping style although this is limited to tent and backpack camping only since the trail is not open for motorized vehicle use.
The Swede Lake Trail in Alaska is known for having extremely wet and muddy paths along the trail, so plan to bring rain boots or thick hiking boots to wear when you explore this trail. Rain is common as well, so raincoats and ponchos may be useful to have on hand in case of pop-up showers. If you plan on fishing in Swede Lake, you will want to bring fishing gear and a valid fishing license issued by the state of Alaska. Traveling in groups is recommended to avoid incidents with wildlife.
Be sure to pack for a primitive experience when you're looking to do some Bureau of Land Management free camping. This means that you will need to bring your own water for drinking and washing or water containers to fill if there will be a water pump station available. You will also not have access to electricity, so bring battery-operated equipment as needed. Before you head out on your trip, check out our blog for all you need to know about BLM camping.
Visitors to the Swede Lake Trail will be asked to follow the BLM's Leave No Trace policy, which is implemented to help keep the local wildlife safe. To follow this policy, simply pick up after yourself, bury any human or pet waste at least 100 feet from water sources, and do not interact with wild animals.
The trailhead to Swede Lake Trail is located at milepost 16.2 on the Denali Highway. When traveling from the north, the trailhead will be on the right-hand side, and when coming from the south, the trailhead will be on the left-hand side.
Ready to visit Swede Lake Trail? 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.
