Mosquito Lake

Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site protects a scenic lake near Haines in the northern reaches of Southeast Alaska. The 5-acre wayside provides camping and lake access in a spectacular setting at the foot of the Chilkat Range. The recreation site serves Haines-area residents and visitors traveling the Haines Highway between Alaska and the Yukon.

The lake and surrounding area support moose, brown and black bears, and the famous Chilkat Valley bald eagle concentration during salmon runs downstream. The lake provides habitat for various waterfowl and fish species. Wolves and smaller furbearers roam the valley floor, while mountain goats may be visible on surrounding peaks.

Mixed coastal and boreal vegetation reflects the transitional location between Southeast Alaska's maritime climate and the interior. Spruce, cottonwood, and birch grow around the lake, with willows in wetter areas. The understory includes devil's club where moisture is sufficient, along with various berries and shade-tolerant plants.

The Chilkat Valley was carved by glaciers flowing from the Coast Mountains, with Mosquito Lake occupying a depression in the valley floor. The surrounding peaks consist of metamorphic and granitic rocks uplifted along the active plate boundary. The valley floor is covered with glacial and alluvial deposits from ongoing geological processes.

The site experiences a transitional climate between the mild maritime conditions of coastal Southeast Alaska and the harsher interior climate of the Yukon. Summer temperatures reach the 50s-60s°F while winters can be quite cold, reaching -20°F or colder. Precipitation is moderate, and snow accumulates during winter months.

Tlingit peoples have inhabited the Chilkat Valley for thousands of years, with major villages at Klukwan upstream. The valley was an important trade route between coastal and interior peoples. The Haines Highway, following the historic Dalton Trail, connects Alaska with the Yukon Territory.

Mosquito Lake State Recreation Site was established to provide roadside camping and lake access along the Haines Highway. The site serves the steady stream of travelers between Haines and the Alaska Highway system. It offers a scenic stopping point in the spectacular Chilkat Valley.

The scenic setting with mountain views is the primary attraction. Lake access allows fishing and paddling in a quiet environment. The site provides a base for exploring the Chilkat Valley, including the famous bald eagle preserve downstream during fall. Winter activities include cross-country skiing and ice fishing.

The recreation site offers approximately 10 campsites and vault toilets. Located along the Haines Highway about 27 miles from Haines, it is accessible by paved road. Haines is served by the Alaska Marine Highway and provides full services. The site operates year-round, with reduced services in winter.

The compact site provides facilities while minimizing impacts to the surrounding wetlands and forest. The site's location along a major highway corridor helps distribute travelers across multiple stopping points. Wildlife movement patterns are considered in site management.