Uploaded August 2019 | Updated September 2026, 3 hours ago
Kayaking on Silver Lake with a short portage over to Van Lake mile 10.7 on the McCarthy Road, Alaska. McCarthy Road starts at the end of the Edgerton Highway at Chitina.
Public Access parking is along McCarthy Road and has a sign, however no motorized vehicles are allowed down the road/path to the lake so you must carry your kayaks to access Silver and Van Lakes.
Van Lake can be accessed by a portage located approximately 2 miles across Silver Lake, there is no sign, however a small homemade ramp, and a good, but rough, trail were present when we went there.
The portage to Van Lake shows up on Google Maps where the two lakes narrow next to each other at the closest distance. I would recommend pre-downloading any maps before going as cell service may not be available with your provider.
We were the only people on Van Lake and it was extremely peaceful. Both Silver and Van Lakes have nice Rainbow Trout fishing.
Kayaking on Silver Lake with a short portage over to Van Lake mile 10.7 on the McCarthy Road, Alaska. McCarthy Road starts at the end of the Edgerton Highway at Chitina.
Public Access parking is along McCarthy Road and has a sign, however no motorized vehicles are allowed down the road/path to the lake so you must carry your kayaks to access Silver and Van Lakes.
Van Lake can be accessed by a portage located approximately 2 miles across Silver Lake, there is no sign, however a small homemade ramp, and a good, but rough, trail were present when we went there.
The portage to Van Lake shows up on Google Maps where the two lakes narrow next to each other at the closest distance. I would recommend pre-downloading any maps before going as cell service may not be available with your provider.
We were the only people on Van Lake and it was extremely peaceful. Both Silver and Van Lakes have nice Rainbow Trout fishing.
