Here's the new and improved Hidden Lake Trailhead Kiosk, showing the three new interpretive panels. Photographer: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore, Hidden Lake Trail taken 08/07/08

This photo shows the Hidden Lake Trail Kiosk with the outdated panels - prior to its "facelift" and the installation of the three new interpretive panels. Photographer: Kay Lynn Odle-Moore, 07/18/08, taken near the trailhead for Hidden Lake on Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge

TETLIN: Interpretive Panels and Kiosk Enrich Visitor Experience

Use of Hidden Lake Trail at Tetlin Refuge is up over 60% this summer despite abnormally cool, wet weather.   Because visitors to Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge are often road weary from navigating hundreds of miles of Canadian roads before they enter Alaska, this one mile trail is a welcome respite from long hours spent in vehicles. Hidden Lake Trail parking is on the Alaskan Highway just 10 miles west of the Tetlin Refuge Visitor Center.  The trail was improved in 2004 by volunteers and refuge staff who built elevated planking through the muskeg.   The trail traverses boreal forest enroute to lovely Hidden Lake and its wealth of rainbow trout. 

Judging by comments, visitors really enjoy an easily accessible trail that blends moderate exercise with surprise wildlife viewing for iconic Alaska species like  moose, grizzly bear, beaver, and bald eagles, en route to splendid rainbow trout fishing. 

In 2006, Tetlin Refuge received Visitor Facility Enhancement funds to replace outdated interpretive panels at the trailhead kiosk.   Three 30” X 36” panels were developed to illustrate: 1) Moose in the boreal forest and their role Native culture and wildlife viewing; (2) Habitats– a land cover map of boreal forest habitats throughout the refuge; and (3) Trail Information – noting wildlife of the area, facilities, and trail etiquette.    

Project partners Alaska Geographic and NCTC were key to creating the new kiosk.