Lake Louise

Yes... this is moose poop

As we headed towards Lake Louise, east on the Glenn Highway, Alaska Route 1, we were greeted by heavy rain just past Eureka lodge. Eureka summit is the highest point along the Glenn Highway with an elevation of about 3,322. The landscape is wide-open rolling Boreal Forest made up of barren-rock, sand, and clay that is beautiful in its vastness. There are glorious views of the Chugach Mountains to the south and the farther you travel down the road, Mt. Drum to the east.

As we near mile 139 and Nelchina the sun appears behind us as a sucker hole. These are the small clearings in the storm clouds that can trick an inexperienced pilot into thinking they have found a safe passage through the weather. Mile 159.5 we make the turn onto Lake Louise Road. If you read the DNR website about the campground at Lake Louise do not be fooled, it will tell you the turn is at mile marker 158, when in fact it's 159.5. Perhaps their website has not updated after some road construction changed the mile marker or on the other hand, it could just be faulty directions.

Upon making this turn onto Lake Louise Road you will see a sign that says road damage ahead. The sign DOES NOT tell a lie and miles 10 through 17 were especially rough. We would recommend you drive 20 miles per hour or less plus adding in some extra driving time to your itinerary would be a wise choice. It is worth noting that my photo (above) of the road does not do true justice to the words road damage.

Just past mile 17 take the right hand turn to the Lake Louise State Recreation Area. We found a lovely camp spot, number 26, cooked an excellent supper, and took a walk to the lake as the sun was setting.

Wildlife count for the day: two moose, two swans, one arctic hare, and two loons.

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