The Three Lakes Trail leads to Sand, Hill and Crane lakes. This 4½-mile trail is mostly boardwalk planks over fairly gradual terrain. There are associated short trails to each lake which are connected to the loop trail. The Forest Service maintains a camping shelter between Sand and Hill Lakes along the trail for public use. The trails cross through varied habitat including muskeg, forest, riparian, and lacustrine, all of which provide the opportunity for a wide variety of bird species. Sandhill Cranes occasionally visit these lakes during their annual spring and fall migrations. Waterfowl on the lakes include Ring-necked Ducks, Lesser Scaup, Canvasback (casual), and Redhead (casual), in addition to the more common waterfowl of the area.

Directions:

Drive south from Petersburg on the Mitkof Highway for about 20 miles to the south end of the Three Lakes Loop Road (#6235) then travel approximately 5 miles on the Three-Lakes Loop Road to the trailheads. You can also reach the Sand Hill Lake trail by hiking the Ideal Cove Trail from Frederick Sound.

Trail Information:

•  US Forest Service: Three Lakes Trails

Birding Resources:

•  eBird Hotspot: None

Bird Species Checklist:

• Three Lakes Trails checklist

Other Resources:

• Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Three Lakes Trail  
• US Forest Service: Three Lakes Camping Shelter