Scout Lake State Recreation Site
Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula Day-Use Gem — Rainbow Trout & Coho Salmon Fishing, Picnic Shelter, Hiking Trails & Wilderness Recreation at Sterling Highway Mile 85
Scout Lake State Recreation Site is a state recreation site on the Kenai Peninsula near Sterling, Alaska, at Mile 85 of the Sterling Highway. The site features day-use fishing for stocked rainbow trout and coho salmon, a covered picnic shelter (reservable, seats 25), hiking trails, restrooms, and wilderness recreation in the heart of the Kenai Peninsula.
Scout Lake State Recreation Site is a compact day-use facility in the heart of Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula — one of the state’s premier outdoor recreation corridors. The site sits at Mile 85 of the Sterling Highway, making it an easy stop for travelers heading to or from the Kenai River, Russian River, and Kenai Fjords. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon, providing accessible fishing for families and anglers. A covered picnic shelter (reservable, accommodating up to 25 people with four picnic tables) makes the site popular for group outings. Hiking trails wind through the surrounding boreal forest of spruce and birch. Pets are welcome on leash. The site is day-use only — no overnight camping.
Things to Do
Fishing
- Rainbow trout (stocked)
- Coho salmon (stocked)
- Shore fishing and dock/pier access
- Alaska fishing license required
Hiking
- Trails through boreal forest
- Spruce and birch woodland
- Wildlife viewing — moose, eagles, waterfowl
Picnicking
- Covered picnic shelter (reservable, seats 25)
- 4 picnic tables in shelter
- Additional tables throughout site
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | State Recreation Site — day-use only |
| Location | Sterling Highway Mile 85, near Sterling, Kenai Peninsula, AK |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, coho salmon (stocked lake) |
| Shelter | Covered picnic shelter, reservable, seats 25 |
| Trails | Hiking trails through boreal forest |
| Restrooms | Available |
| Camping | NOT permitted — day-use only |
| Pets | Welcome on leash |
| Firearms | Discharge prohibited |
| Fires | Only in provided fire grates |
| Coordinates | 60.5364° N, 150.8285° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Peak fishing; long Alaskan days (18+ hrs light); coho salmon runs; wildflowers; moose sightings | Mosquitoes intense; reserve shelter early; popular with locals |
| Fall (Sep) | Fall colors; reduced crowds; late coho fishing; berry season; aurora viewing begins | Shorter days; cold mornings; facilities may close late September |
| Spring (May) | Ice-out fishing; migrating birds; quiet; bears emerging | Cold; muddy; lake may still be partially frozen early May |
| Winter | Site typically closed or minimally maintained | Deep snow; roads may be challenging; no facilities |
Visitor Tips
- Mile 85: The site is at Mile 85 of the Sterling Highway — an easy stop between Soldotna and Cooper Landing.
- Stocked fish: The lake is stocked with rainbow trout and coho salmon — check Alaska Department of Fish and Game for current stocking schedules.
- Shelter reservation: The covered picnic shelter seats 25 and can be reserved for group gatherings.
- Bear safety: You are in bear country — store food properly and make noise on trails. Bear spray recommended.
- Day-use only: No overnight camping. For camping on the Kenai Peninsula, check nearby Quartz Creek Campground or Kenai Princess RV Park.
- Kenai Peninsula: Combine with fishing on the Kenai River and Russian River, or visit Kenai Fjords National Park from nearby Seward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fish at Scout Lake in Alaska?
Yes — Scout Lake State Recreation Site near Sterling on Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula offers fishing for stocked rainbow trout and coho salmon. The lake provides shore fishing access and is a popular day-use destination at Mile 85 of the Sterling Highway. An Alaska fishing license is required. The site includes a reservable covered picnic shelter (seats 25), restrooms, and hiking trails through boreal spruce-birch forest. The site is day-use only — no overnight camping. For the best fishing, visit during the summer months (June–August) when stocking is active and daylight extends 18+ hours.
Last updated: May 2026
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