Located off of the Glenn Highway, 40 miles from Glennallen and 170 miles from Anchorage, this lakeside community of lodges and a few dozen residents is 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.
Things to do
The 90-acre Lake Louise State Recreation Area features a campground with 67 campsites along with a picnic area and shelters, hiking trails, a boat launch, and a beach where campers can take a quick dip in the chilly lake. Nearby the state recreation area are two waterfront lodges with restaurants and bars.
Lake Louise offers great year-round fishing, especially for lake trout, burbot, and arctic grayling. The best fishing is spring through July and then again in the fall. Other summer recreation activities include boating, jet skiing, birding, and wildlife viewing.
In winter, Lake Louise is a checkpoint for the Copper Basin 300 Dog Sled Race held in January. Visitors and locals alike also enjoy cross country skiing, northern lights viewing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing.
History
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 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.
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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.
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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.
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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.