Lagoon Trail (6.2 mi/10.0 km)
Rating: Difficult (several long, steep climbs, narrow trail, wet areas, glacial stream crossing)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours minimum, 1.5 days recommended
Elevation Gain: 1200 ft.
Trailhead Access: North End - Saddle Trail; South End - Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station.
Camping: Halibut Creek Flats, near creek crossing; Halibut Cove Lagoon Ranger Station Campsite.
Water Availability: None at Saddle Trailhead; Halibut Creek (glacial/silty); numerous small streams along trail.
Trail Description: This is a challenging, diverse, and primitive route connecting the Grewingk and China Poot areas. From the Saddle Trail, the Lagoon Trail skirts above Halibut Cove, then drops to Halibut Creek Flats. There is no bridge at Halibut Creek. It is recommended that the stream be waded at low tide out on the tidal flats where the water will be shallower - otherwise expect swift, icy, knee to waist-deep water. Find the trail again by following orange trail markers around the tidal flats. A series of steep switchbacks then climbs into spruce forest to an intersection with Goat Rope Spur Trail, near timberline. The trail continues south, crossing a cascading creek and ends at the ranger station after steep switchbacks.
Note: This is a rugged, difficult, and exhausting trail. Round-trips are NOT recommended; hikers who have completed the Lagoon Trail rarely opt to backtrack and rehike it.