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Lynx Lake Canoe Trail

The Lynx Lake Canoe Trail is a classic Alaskan backcountry loop winding through 14 interconnected lakes in the Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Starting at Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead, this route combines paddling, portaging, and quiet wilderness travel.

Well-marked portages and boardwalks guide you between lakes, but this is not a resort paddle. Expect changing conditions, limited services, and a true self-guided experience.

This trail can be completed as a long day trip or enjoyed as a multi-day adventure, with opportunities to camp and fish along the way.

🔵 Intermediate | 🟤 Backcountry
🎣 Fishing: Northern Pike • Rainbow Trout (Tanaina Lake)

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At a Glance

Location: Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead, Nancy Lake State Recreation Area (Willow, Alaska)

Experience Type: Self-guided backcountry canoe loop with multiple lakes and portages.

Ideal for: Intermediate paddlers, anglers, couples, and experienced visitors seeking a backcountry route

Typical trip length: Long day trip or multi-day adventure (camping or cabin stays along the route)

Typical trip length: Access: Canoes staged at Tanaina Lake; check in at South Rolly Campground before heading to the trailhead.

Getting There

Check in at Tippecanoe Alaska
Start at the Tippecanoe paddle shack inside South Rolly Lake Campground in Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. This is where you’ll pick up paddles, life jackets, and your canoe keys.

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Drive to the Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead
After check-in, drive the Nancy Lake Parkway to the Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead at approximately mile 4.5 of the park road. Follow signs for “Tanaina Lake Canoe Trailhead.”

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Launch at Tanaina Lake
Your canoe is staged on the shore of Tanaina Lake. From here, you’ll begin the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail and travel through the interconnected lake system of 14 lakes and short portages.

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🧭 Good to know
Cell service is limited or nonexistent along much of the route. Download maps ahead of time, tell someone your plans, and be prepared to be fully self‑guided once you leave the trailhead.

Your Adventure Options

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Day Trip Paddle: Best for fit, experienced paddlers who want a full, fast-paced day on the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail. This option is more about covering the loop than lingering, with limited time for breaks and only quick stops for photos or a few casts before returning to Tanaina Lake the same day.

Multi-Day Backcountry Trip

Ideal for paddlers who want to travel at a relaxed pace, explore side lakes, and truly settle into the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail. Spend one or more nights at primitive campsites or public-use cabins along the loop, with time for unhurried fishing, wildlife viewing, and quiet evenings completely off-grid.

Fishing-Focused Adventure

For anglers who want to maximize time with a rod in hand rather than rush the full loop. Focus on productive stretches for northern pike throughout the system and, if conditions and timing allow, spend some extra time on Tanaina Lake for rainbow trout, building in buffer for slow paddling, portages, and weather changes.

Fish the Midnight Sun (walk-up only) – Evening pickup and return the next morning (subject to availability)

Discover

What to Expect on the Water

  • 14 interconnected lakes linked by short portages

  • Boardwalks and maintained portage trails between many of the lakes

  • A mix of smaller ponds, medium lakes, and a few larger, more open sections

  • Very little development once you leave the trailhead

  • Limited or no cell service along much of the route

  • Weather and wind can change quickly, especially on the more open lakes

🧭 Navigation note: Basic map navigation may be required. This route is best for paddlers who are comfortable with route-finding, reading signs, and being self‑reliant in a backcountry setting.

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Northern Pike & Rainbow Trout Fishing

Many of the lakes and ponds along the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail hold northern pike, making this a popular route for anglers who want to fish multiple waters in a single trip. Tanaina Lake is also known for producing large rainbow trout, giving you a unique chance to target trout right at the start and end of the loop.

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🎣 A valid Alaska fishing license is required for all anglers. Licenses can be purchased online through the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

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👉 Fishing license & regulations:
https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishing.main

Recommended Pike Lures

Northern pike are opportunistic feeders and respond well to:

  • Spinnerbaits

  • Spoons (red/white, silver, or gold)

  • Large spoons with flash

  • Soft plastics

  • Crankbaits and swimbaits

Heavier leaders are recommended, as pike have sharp teeth.

What’s Included in Our Fishing Package

Our self-guided fishing packages are designed to keep things simple and accessible:

  • Ugly Stik rod rigged with braided line

  • Steel leaders suitable for northern pike

  • Landing net

  • Fish bonker

  • Jaw spreaders and hook remover

  • A selection of lures (suitable for both northern pike and stocked rainbow trout)

Fishing packages are available as:

  • Self-Guided Fishing Package for Two (ideal for partners or couples)

  • Fishing Package Add-On (single angler option)

Skill Level & Trail Info

  • Recommended experience: Intermediate paddlers who are comfortable being self‑guided, dealing with changing weather, and spending a full day (or more) on the water and trail.

  • Portages and hiking: Multiple portages are required and distances vary between lakes. Expect repeated carries with gear on uneven, sometimes muddy or rooty trail and boardwalk.

  • Kids & families: All ages are welcome, but this route is best for families who know their kids enjoy being outside for long days, riding in the canoe, and walking some of the portages. 

Gear & What We Provide

We provide for your Lynx Lake Canoe Trail trip:

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Optional add-on rentals:

  • Dry bags for phones, cameras, and extra clothing

  • Fishing kits for targeting northern pike (and rainbow trout on Tanaina)

  • Bear spray for added peace of mind in camp and at portages

  • Thermacells to help keep mosquitoes down in camp and on calm evenings

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What to pack (keep it light for portages):​

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Paddling essentials

  • Sturdy footwear for portages (boots or water shoes, no flip-flops)

  • Navigation: printed map or offline app (we provide a flyer)

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Fishing gear (if fishing)

  • Valid Alaska fishing license

  • Rods/reels, small tackle box (pike lures, steel leaders), net, fillet knife​

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Food & water

  • Meals/snacks planned for each day (high-energy, lightweight like trail mix, PB wraps)

  • Plenty of water plus filter/purification tablets​

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Clothing & layers

  • Weather-appropriate layers, rain gear, quick-dry clothes (no cotton)

  • Sleep clothes if overnighting

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Overnight gear (if multi-day)

  • Tent/cabin reservation, sleeping bag/pad, lightweight stove & cook kit, toiletries 

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Safety & comfort

  • First aid kit, knife/multi-tool, headlamp, bug protection, sun gear

  • Use a 40–55L backpack for portaging everything

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What not to bring (save your energy):

  • Heavy coolers, camp chairs, or bulky bug shelters

  • Excessive clothes (stick to 1–2 versatile outfits + layers)

  • Irreplaceable valuables or fancy electronics

  • Cast iron cookware or oversized pots/pans​

  • Too much food (plan specific meals, no "just in case" extras)

Cabins & Camping

The Lynx Lake Canoe Trail includes four public-use cabins managed by Alaska State Parks—three on Lynx Lake and one on James Lake. These cozy cabins have bunks, wood stoves, porches, and fire rings, making perfect bases for multi-day paddling trips.

Reservations first: Cabin spots fill up fast. Reserve directly through Alaska State Parks before booking your canoe rental with us.

Camping

There are four separate campground areas with multiple campsites located along the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail. Campsites are first-come, first-served and include outhouses, bear boxes, and fire rings.

Planning Notes



Availability varies by lake and season—cabins book up months ahead, campsites are first come first served.

Public use cabins must be reserved separately through Alaska State Parks

Tippecanoe provides canoes, paddles, and PFDs only; bring your own tent, sleeping bag, stove, and camp gear

Many cabins and prime campsites are paddle-access only, making our canoe rentals the best way to reach them

Next step: Check cabin/campsite availability on the Alaska State Parks site, then reserve your canoe gear so your boat is staged at Tanaina Lake when you arrive.

​Safety & Conditions

This is a self-guided outdoor experience in a natural Alaskan setting. Weather can change quickly, and cell service may be limited or unavailable. Always check the forecast, plan conservatively, and paddle within your comfort level. Wear a life jacket; they save lives. Alaska law: 1 USCG-approved PFD per person on the boat. Kids 13 & under MUST wear at all times on open boats/deck.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the full Lynx Lake Canoe Trail loop take?

DaDay trip: 8–12 hours for fit paddlers moving steadily with short breaks. Multi-day: 2–4 days lets you explore more and enjoy campsites/cabins. Portages vary between lakes—the longest is 0.25 miles (some are short boardwalks).

Do I need to carry my canoe?

Yes—portaging is part of the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail. You'll unload gear, carry your personal gear across first (longest portage is 0.25 miles), return for the canoe, then carry it across. Pack light enough to do two trips per portage. Dragging wears out canoes and damages trails—please carry properly. Damage fee applies for dragging/scraping.

Are cabins reservable through you?

No—cabins book directly through Alaska State Parks. Reserve first, then book your canoe with us.

What about campsites?

Four primitive campground areas along the trail offer first-come, first-served sites with bear boxes, fire rings, and outhouses. No reservations needed.

Do I really need bear spray?

Yes—this is active black bear country. We recommend bear spray (rent for $10/day) and proper food storage in bear boxes. Never cook or store food in tents.

What's the best time of year?

June-August (pike active)—peak season but mosquitoes are heavy. May/September offers fewer crowds and bugs, weather permitting.

What if weather's bad?

This is self-guided—you check forecasts and decide. Reschedule 48+ hours before your rental pickup (per policy). Strong wind makes some lakes challenging; turn back early if conditions worsen.

Can kids do the Lynx Lake Canoe Trail?

All ages welcome with proper planning. Best for kids who enjoy long paddling days and can walk portages. Adults carry main gear; consider shorter lakes first to test.

Do I need my own map?

We provide a Lynx Lake Canoe Trail flyer with key info at check-in. Download offline maps (Gaia GPS, OuterSpatial) as backup—cell service drops off after the trailhead.

Is a parking pass required?

Yes—Alaska State Parks requires an annual or day-use parking pass for Nancy Lake State Recreation Area. Buy it at the South Rolly Campground kiosk when you check in ($5 day / $50 annual).

Are motors allowed on Lynx Lake Canoe Trail lakes?

Motors are allowed only on Lynx Lake itself due to private land access there. All other lakes in the trail system are paddlecraft-only (canoes, kayaks, paddleboards). No motors on portages or smaller connecting lakes.

Is This the Right Lake for You?

Choose Lynx Lake Canoe Trail if you want:

  • A true backcountry paddling loop through 14 lakes with manageable portages (longest 0.25 miles)

  • Excellent northern pike fishing across multiple waters (plus Tanaina trout)

  • Flexible day trip or multi-day options with cabins/camping access

  • Quiet wilderness without motors (except Lynx Lake) or big crowds

Consider a drive-up lake instead if you prefer:

  • No portages or gear carrying at all

  • Shorter paddles (2–4 hours) for young kids or first-timers

  • Social campground vibe right by your vehicle

How to Book



    Reserve a State Parks cabin first if your trip includes an overnight stay.


    Book your canoe or kayak with Tippecanoe for your selected lake and dates.


    Complete the required waivers sent after booking.


    Check in at the Tippecanoe building inside South Rolly Campground to pick up paddles, life jackets, and keys, then head out for your self-guided adventure.

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