Alaska has a lot of lakes you can hike to, but on a sunny day they don't get much prettier than the shining blue-green waters of Ptarmigan Lake. Technically the trail continues along the northeast short of the lake, but that section of trail is so overgrown and grassy that very few people hike it.
There are a few primitive campsites scattered near this end of the lake; they are first-come, first-serve with no fee.
Bear encounters are common here, especially when fish are running in the creek. Regardless of whether you are day hiking or backpacking, please practice careful "bear etiquette" and know what to do if you have an encounter.