Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is a beautiful spot to relax, play, and paddle. Just off the Glenn Highway in the town of Chugiak (about 25 miles north of Anchorage), the lake offers clear, calm waters that make for great paddling and swimming. You’ll slice through reflections of the towering Chugach Mountains as you explore this small, shallow lake (1.5 miles around and about 10 feet deep). To get out on the water, rent kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards at AK Paddlesports. You can also angle in Mirror Lake; it’s stocked with rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Chinook salmon.

The surrounding park features a large grassy play area, sandy beach, picnic tables, covered gazebos (reservable through ER Parks and Recreation), volleyball court, swings, and a pump track. Parking is free, and access to the lake is quick and easy; the beach is a quick walk from the main parking lot. You’ll also find a nearby boat launch down Mirror Lake Dr.