Byers Lake, tucked into Denali State Park, is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, as it offers amazing hiking, canoeing, kayaking and camping opportunities year-round.

The lake, located at Mile 147 Parks Hwy, (Highway 3), is in the heart of Denali State Park, and getting there is half the fun, as the drive north offers plenty of awe-inspiring views of the Alaska Range, including Denali, Mount Hunter and Mount Foraker. 

The Byers Lake Campground is an Alaska State Parks facility that features 73 sites, a picnic area, a dump area, restrooms and more. The entire campground is ADA compliant. In addition, there are three public-use cabins available for rent through the Alaska State Parks - these are very popular, and should be rented six months in advance.

A short walk from the campground is the lake itself, with spectacular views in a serene setting. The lake is closed to motorized vehicles (boats and planes), making it ideal for canoeing and kayaking. There is a contractor on site who rents kayaks and canoes, as well as stand-up paddleboards and life preservers, so you don't have to have your own to enjoy Byers Lake.

The lake is situated at the base of Kesugi Ridge, and the extensive trail system is ideal for those looking for hikes from easy to challenging, all with great views. The blueberries are already starting to ripen in Denali State Park this time of year, making it the perfect time to visit.

Byers Lake is also a great place to visit in the winter, as ice fishing, snowshoeing, Nordic skiing and snowmobiling are popular activities.

Check out these recent images from visitors to Byers Lake