I would like to actually spend time exploring Wonder Lake. We visited just for the day and fell in love with this beautiful serene place.
5.5 hours to get there 5.5 hours back what a great ride. If you do nothing else in Alaska, ride thru the park in a Blue Bird school bus I will never forget it.
We stayed at the North Face Lodge in late August and Wonder Lake is right there. We hiked around different areas of the lake and took amazing photos of the lake and the tundra with the Fall colors. One day Mt McKinley (locals call it Denali Mt) was in full view for most of the day and we got great views and photos of the reflection of the mountain on the water. You can kayak on the lake but we did not do that. Exceeded our expectations!
Just the right walk for us! A little steep at times but we needed the exercise after our cruise! Beautiful forest!
We were coming in by Wonder Lake and there was a huge bull moose in the lake. Later that night we had the wonderful opportunity of seeing the mountain.
Drive into park is worth it. You can take tour or take shuttle into wonder lake. Fall is the season to go for color and less crowds.
Denali was out, so how great is that. But the lake itself, was expecting what you probably only see once in a blue moon, Mt. McKinley mirrored across it's surface. My bad. Alaska is full of water bodies. For us, it was not special. Would have preferred to stop at Eillson Visitor's Center, spend the time at this fabulous site, and hike (except the bear grazing nearby closed the trails)with the fabulous rangers there (husband and wife team)!
We were lucky and able to see Denali in full over Wonder Lake. Views and pictures were breathtaking!
If you traveled all the to Denali you need to go all the way back to wander lake. It's a 12 hour trip and it you wimp out and don't go all the back you are just being lazy. It's so worth it!!!!!
Wonder Lake view from hike 1700 feet above Camp Denali is gorgeous. The hike was strenuous but the view from the ridgetop was awesome