Carlanna Lake Trail is a 5.1 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ketchikan, Alaska that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and birding and is best used from March until October. Dogs are also able to use this trail.
This was my first hike in Alaska and it was beautiful! My husband and I loved the mossy rainforest and the many waterfalls were all beautiful. We hiked on a misty day and it was muddy but not too bad. We didn’t see much wildlife besides 6 slugs and a few birds. The top of the mountain is pretty slippery on a wet day and it got too foggy to see the next marker by a certain point. We didn’t see a view because of the fog but the views along the way were lovely. It is a large elevation change so I found it to be a challenging hike.
Great trail. The terrain changes as you near the top. The first part of the trail is the typical lush foliage for the area and as someone else mentioned lots of berry picking opportunities. Near the top the foliage thins out and tree are much smaller. It’s wetter/muddier up top and with significant rock face is slippery and much slower going. From there you also have a nice view of The Valley and the airport.
A convenient trail close to town. Lots of sunbathers at the lake on a warm day. The trail itself is heavily forested which is nice on a sunny hot day. It’s steeper than many of the printed trail guides say. Definitely a challenge for the average hiker, but nothing too crazy. Lots of bees and mosquitoes. Also a lot of delicious berries to pick along the way. Not the prettiest hike in Ketchikan, but probably the most beautiful hike of the non-difficult ones.
Did this on a rainy day. We loved it. The lake was pretty but the woods were even better. It was extremely overcast so I can’t comment too much on the far away view, but our immediate view was beautiful. Once you get near the top, the trees disappear for awhile and you are out in the open. You meet back up with the woods again before reaching the top. The trees get smaller and have a lot of character to them. There are a few waterfalls throughout this hike that added to the beauty. Definitely recommend on a clear or rainy day. Be prepared if it’s rainy! Wear good boots (preferably with ankle support) as there are plenty of muddy areas.