Moose Pass

Moose Pass combines mountain, lake, river, and fjord scenery with historical connections. The town is located in the Kenai Mountains-Turnagain Arm National Heritage Area, known for its history and culture of regional significance. If you’re looking for a hotel in Moose Pass, these topics can help you understand the character of the destination: Along with nature and recreational opportunities, they include the history of the Iditarod Trail and the Summer Solstice Festival, held every year in June.

History and Trails

The area around Moose Pass lies within the traditional territory of the Lower or Outer Cook Inlet Dena’ina Athabaskans. The history of the Iditarod Trail is also connected with the area: The original trail passed through the area in 1910 and 1911. The Johnson Pass Trail follows the route of the old Iditarod Trail and is 23 miles long. Along the trail, travelers can stop at waterfalls and Johnson Lake.

The Iditarod National Historic Trail has a 1,000-mile main route between Seward and Nome. This main route, the historic route through the Moose Pass area, and the Johnson Pass Trail are different connections to Iditarod history. Another local landmark in this history is the log cabin and log roadhouse in Moose Pass, built in 1909 by Oscar Christensen and Mickey Natt. Both served as lodging and supply stops for gold seekers heading to the goldfields in the north. A water wheel next to the Estes Store is another local history stop.

The Summer Solstice Festival in June

The Moose Pass Summer Solstice Festival is held every year in June. The festival includes live music, a beer garden, a barbecue stand, a bake sale, children’s games, and a live auction. Vendors selling handmade Alaskan goods and works by local artists are also part of the program; up to 20 or more vendors are listed. Individual program items may vary. The June date gives the festival a regular place in the annual calendar, while the specific selection of activities and offerings may change.

Nature and Activities

Moose Pass offers opportunities for recreational activities and scenic flights. For hiking, the 23-mile-long Johnson Pass Trail is a named route; waterfalls and Johnson Lake offer possible places to stop along the way. Nearby, black and brown bears can sometimes be seen from the Moose Creek viewing boardwalk. Access is via an unmarked turnoff at Mile 32.5 of the Seward Highway; from there, a trail of a few hundred meters leads to the boardwalk.

Crescent Lake Cabin provides access to opportunities for fishing, hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. It can be reached on foot, by bicycle, on skis, on horseback, by snowmobile, and by floatplane. A valid cabin reservation is required to use it.

Discover more destinations: Clam Gulch, Fritz Creek, Anchor Point, Kenai, Homer, Kasilof, Ninilchik and Seward.

Go to the main travel overview: Kenai Peninsula.