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Lake Louise

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Almost from the time the first cabin was built in Lake Louise, this community of lodges, resorts and a few dozen residents has been a place to play and relax.

About Lake Louise

Beginning at Mile 159.8 of the Glenn Highway, Lake Louise Road snakes its way north 19 miles past views of mountains and Tazlina Glacier before coming to an end at the shores of Lake Louise. The clear waters of Lake Louise and adjoining Susitna Lake are spread over 37 square miles and represent Alaska's largest lake system with road access.

Soldiers originally used Lake Louise as a place for rest and relaxation when the U.S. Army was building the Glenn Highway during World War II. Since it was only accessible by floatplane, Army officials decided to build Lake Louise Road as well for easier access. After the war, the area was homesteaded but the lake eventually returned to being an outdoor playground when the state designated Lake Louise State Recreation Area.

Things to do

The 90-acre state recreation area features 52 camping sites along with a picnic area and shelters, hiking trails, a boat launch and a beach where campers take a quick dip in the chilly lake. Lake Louise is known for outstanding lake trout fishing, particularly through the ice during those long Alaskan winters, as well as grayling.

Surrounding the state recreation area are lodges, restaurants, service station and other businesses that can provide most visitor services even in the winter. In recent years, Lake Louise has focused on winter tourism and today hosts snowmobile events and the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race. It’s also popular with cross-country skiers.

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is 32 miles west of Glennallen and accessible via Lake Louise Road, which heads north from the Glenn Highway at Mile 159.8.

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Lake Louise

Nearby Parks

Lake Louise State Recreation Area

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Attractions

Little Nelchina State Recreation Site +

Little Nelchina State Recreation Site is a 22-acre recreation area overlooking the Little Nelchina River west of Lake Louise at Mile 137.4 of the Glenn Highway. Facilities include a campground, boat launch and trails.
Sportfishing +

Lake Louise offers great year-round fishing, in particular for lake trout but also whitefish, burbot and arctic grayling. Lake trout average from 8 to 12 pounds, but 20 pounders are caught every year. The best fishing for lakers is spring through July and then again in the fall.
Winter Activities +

In recent years Lake Louise has focused on winter tourism and today hosts snowmachine events and the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race as well as attracting large numbers of cross-country skiers. Ice fishing is also popular with anglers jigging through the ice for lake trout.