Soda Lake Trail

Overview

If you want big-country solitude with a geologic payoff, this one delivers. The Soda Lake Trail is a true backcountry route through the Nabesna side of the park, linking Lost Creek, Platinum Creek, and Soda Creek to a landslide-dammed lake ringed by red cliffs. Expect a demanding, wet, and often faint path with real route-finding. Reported distances vary (about 25–33.7 miles total), but plan for the longer figure: roughly 33.7 miles out-and-back with about 3,969 feet of gain. Some parties treat this as a one-way by arranging a pickup or drop-off with shuttle or air taxi.

What You’ll See

You’ll move from spruce forest to open tundra and tussocks, with rolling hilltops overlooking wetlands and small lakes. The route tightens near upper Soda Creek, where striking red cliffs and a white mineral spring mark the junction of creeks. Dall sheep favor the mineral-laden earth here, and hikers regularly note bear sign, wolf scat, and moose. The main attraction is Soda Lake itself—impounded by a massive landslide likely tied to movement along the Totshunda Fault. The lake’s outlet area and the earthen dam (a two-toned scree/rubble slope) are unlike anything else on the route.

Route Highlights

From Nabesna Road, you’ll follow an ATV track up Lost Creek with multiple crossings (poles help). A few miles in, a sign points you toward Soda Lake. The path can be muddy—especially during rainy periods—and it’s common to lose it in the Platinum Creek wash. As you head up Soda Creek, you’ll reach the red cliffs junction. From here, the best option is to find a somewhat brushy horse trail on the east fork that climbs through landslide terrain to the lake’s northwest corner. Miss it and you’ll likely end up on the alternative: a steep, loose scree ascent to a flat above the lake’s southwest end before dropping to the shoreline. Manageable, but it can feel spooky if you’re not comfortable on ball-bearing rubble.

Camping & Water

Near the lake, you’ll find campable gravel/sandy benches on the northwest and east shores. Much of the approach is wet or tussocky, so good dry sites are limited away from the lake. Bear-resistant food storage is required. Important: do not camp on the two private parcels near Big Grayling Lake—stay on the trail through that area. Water is reliable early at Lost Creek, but there can be a dry stretch for several miles until near Soda Creek; carry enough from Lost Creek to bridge the gap.

Skills, Conditions & Hazards

This route rewards confident navigators. Expect to lose the tread in creekbeds and in brushy sections; map, compass, and a GPS track are wise. Creek depths on Platinum and Soda Creeks vary with rain, temperature, and time of day; levels often rise on warm afternoons or after storms. Parties have encountered torrential rain, flash-flood conditions, and forced detours—build margin into your plan. The ATV sections can be a boot-sucking mess in wet weather, and the scree option near the lake is steep and loose. Trekking poles and footwear suitable for repeated water crossings are strongly recommended.

Getting There & Logistics

Access is from the Nabesna Road on the park’s north side. The trail begins near Lost Creek; the turn-in and trailhead sign are easy to spot once you know to look just past the creek. The Nabesna corridor is lightly serviced; plan to be self-sufficient, and be aware that summer road conditions can change quickly, including washouts that can strand vehicles. If you’re eyeing a one-way trip, line up a shuttle or air taxi ahead of time.

Best Time to Hike

Summer is the window, with documented trips in July and August. Expect mud during the rainy season, abundant bugs early, and variable weather anytime. For safer creek levels, start days early and aim major crossings for morning or cooler periods after dry spells. Crowds aren’t a concern here; you’ll likely have the place to yourself. Photographers will love low-angle light on the red cliffs and mineral deposits near sunrise/sunset.

Bottom Line

Not a casual day hike—this is a remote, strenuous backcountry objective. If you’re comfortable with mud, creek crossings, and off-trail decision-making, the landslide-dammed lake and wide-open tundra walking make this an unforgettable, uniquely Alaskan experience.