The lake is part of the Kenai River system but also contains glacial runoff, being fed by meltwater from Skilak Glacier.
It is within the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge, and can be accessed by Skilak Lake Loop Road via the Sterling Highway.
Early Russian explorers mistakenly believed Skilak and Tustumena Lake to be a single body of water.
[2] It is a popular destination for Alaskans due to it being only about a half-hour drive from Soldotna, and approximately two hours from Anchorage.
[3] There are many well-developed and maintained trails along the lake and its access road, as well as campgrounds and public-access cabins.