Skilak Lake  Photos:  Recent | Best | Popular Page Views:  2,568. Good page?    Administrators:  Jared LaVacque, Tom Erickson Submitted By:  Ben Schmitt on Jun 17, 2009 Make this area a Favorite What's New  Printer View Add Area  Add Photo  Add Comment  Add Event

Description 

Skilak lake has one of the most pristine settings in Alaska. With seagulls hovering just overhead, moose trundling through the underbrush, and water such a rich clear blue you can see the school's of migrating salmon from the top's of many of the routes, this area is truly unique with it's outstanding beauty.

The Skilak lake climbing area has just recently begun development, as there are a handful of dedicated locals putting up new trad and sport lines around the lake. All climbes are currently on the outcroppings rising out of the water or just inshore, and all require a boat to reach.

There are no developmental issues I have come across yet. The parks seem to be friendly to fixed protection, and all the locals don't seem to mind climbers on the cliffs. However, it is important to note that climbers should keep a low profile, be friendly, and don't chip holds or bolt cracks.

Getting There 

Heading south on the Seward Highway from Anchorage, Take the Sterling Highway exit toward Homer and Soldontna. You will see sighns for the upper Skilak Lake and campground. Follow the dirt road to the lake, and put in there.

The Classics

Featured Route For Skilak Lake

Seven Felonies 5.14a  AK : Kenai Peninsula : ... : The Prow Area

This striking line takes the longest, steepest, part of the prow through three powerful and technical cruxes, with the upper steep section beeing incredible climbing.First start out by pre-clipping the first bolt, then launch into a steep, reachy V7 boulder problem that starts on the left side of the low bulge and follows crimps, slopers and heelhooks to deposit you at the slab above. From here it's mossy alpine 5.9 climbing, up the the start of the over hanging prow. Catch your breath, becuas...[more]   Browse More Classics in AK