🌤 Weather at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–63 °F | 44–74 °F | -1 to 56 °F | -11 to 16 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Whitestone Farms, 5 mi away, elevation 995 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Alaska Interior’s Road-Accessible Fishing Gem — Stocked Rainbow Trout & Coho Salmon, 103 Campsites, Two Lakes, Two Boat Ramps, Two Cabins, Swimming Beach Near Delta Junction
Quartz Lake State Recreation Area is a state recreation area at Mile 278.8 of the Richardson Highway near Delta Junction in Alaska’s Interior. The area features two lakes — Quartz Lake and Lost Lake — with 103 campsites (16 loop + 87 parking), two boat ramps, a handicap-accessible fishing dock, two public-use rental cabins, swimming beach, volleyball court, picnic shelter, and annually stocked rainbow trout and coho salmon — some of the best road-accessible fishing in Interior Alaska.
Quartz Lake SRA is one of Interior Alaska’s premier road-accessible fishing destinations. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game annually stocks both rainbow trout and coho salmon, creating exceptional fishing in a region where road-accessible quality fishing is limited. Quartz Lake — the larger of the two — offers 16 campsites in a loop plus 87 parking/camping sites, two boat ramps, and a handicap-accessible fishing dock. The quieter Lost Lake provides 12 more secluded campsites. Two public-use cabins are available for rent. A swimming beach and volleyball court round out the recreation. The area sits along the Richardson Highway, Alaska’s oldest road, connecting Valdez to Fairbanks — making it a natural stopping point for highway travelers.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Rainbow trout — annually stocked
- Coho salmon — annually stocked
- ADA-accessible fishing dock
- Best road-accessible fishing in Interior AK
Camping
- Quartz Lake: 16 loop sites + 87 parking sites
- Lost Lake: 12 secluded sites
- 2 public-use cabins (rental)
- No RV hookups
Boating & Swimming
- 2 boat ramps
- Swimming beach
- Volleyball court
- Picnic shelter
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Mile 278.8 Richardson Highway, near Delta Junction, AK |
| Region | Alaska Interior |
| Lakes | Quartz Lake + Lost Lake |
| Fishing | Stocked rainbow trout + coho salmon (annually) |
| Campsites | 103 total — 16 loop + 87 parking (Quartz) + 12 (Lost Lake) |
| Cabins | 2 public-use rental cabins |
| Boat Ramps | 2 |
| ADA | Handicap-accessible fishing dock |
| Amenities | Vault toilets, water (seasonal), picnic shelter, swim beach, volleyball |
| RV Hookups | NONE |
| Coordinates | 64.2180° N, 145.8050° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Peak fishing; stocked trout + salmon; swimming; midnight sun; full facilities | Mosquitoes; busy weekends; reserve cabins early |
| Fall (Sep) | Fall colors; quiet; fishing continues; aurora borealis begins | Cold nights; facilities closing; shorter days |
| Winter (Oct–Apr) | Ice fishing; aurora; extreme solitude; cabin available | Extreme cold (-40°F possible); limited access; no water |
| Spring (May) | Ice-out; fresh stocking; early fishing; long days returning | Muddy; cold water; limited facilities; variable ice conditions |
Visitor Tips
- Best fishing in Interior: Quartz Lake offers some of the best road-accessible fishing in Interior Alaska — stocked annually with rainbow trout and coho salmon.
- ADA dock: A handicap-accessible fishing dock provides barrier-free access to Quartz Lake.
- Lost Lake: For quieter camping, choose Lost Lake’s 12 sites over Quartz Lake’s busier 103-site complex.
- Cabins: Two public-use cabins are available — reserve through Alaska State Parks, especially for summer weekends.
- No hookups: No RV hookups at any sites — bring generators or go without power.
- Richardson Highway: Quartz Lake is a natural stop on the Richardson Highway between Fairbanks and Valdez — plan it into your road trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Quartz Lake SRA — on Quartz Lake in Interior Alaska. The area’s boreal forest, lake, and wetlands support moose, beavers, and loons. Rainbow trout, silver salmon, and arctic char fill the lake. Northern Lights are spectacular.
Nearby Attractions
Delta Junction — 10 miles north — the official end of the Alaska Highway. Richardson Highway — nearby.
What fish are in Quartz Lake Alaska?
Quartz Lake State Recreation Area near Delta Junction, Alaska, is annually stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. It offers some of the best road-accessible fishing in Interior Alaska. The recreation area at Mile 278.8 of the Richardson Highway features 103 campsites across two lakes (Quartz Lake and Lost Lake), two boat ramps, a handicap-accessible fishing dock, two public-use rental cabins, a swimming beach, and a volleyball court. No RV hookups are available.
Last updated: May 2026
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are Big Delta State Historical Park (a short drive away) and Delta State Recreation Site (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Quartz Lake State Recreation Area?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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