In the last 2 years or so, I've taken up bird watching- if you enjoy watching our feathered friends- this trail is for you! We saw loons and 32 red necked grebes when we got to the back end of Engineer Lake. Unfortunately we were pressed for time, so I only got to hike as far as the first cabin on Engineer Lake. This is a super easy, level trail that bops from small lake to small lake bordering along the thousands of acres damaged by the 2019 Swan Lake fire. I was actually camping in Skilak in 2019 when the fire was happening, so seeing the damage up close for me touched me in a way that is hard to articulate. The damage is obviously very sad, but it's also exciting to see new growth as it unfurls. Seeing the contrast of life and death is very profound, and when I hike in the quiet, the trails of Skilak provide an excellent backdrop for contemplation. There aren't many people on this trail other than a handful of locals who recognize the beauty here. I can't wait to come back. read more