Reed Lakes Hiking Guide
Reed Lakes is the hike Anchorage residents drive to Hatcher Pass for. The route follows an old mining road up the Archangel Valley, then climbs through an enormous boulder field to Lower Reed Lake and on to Upper Reed Lake, an alpine lake just over 4,000 feet with a waterfall pouring in. The entire route is above timberline, so the views never stop.
Permit: Hatcher Pass parking fee: $5 per day at Reed Lakes Trailhead, or the $60 Alaska State Parks annual parking pass
The Route
Alaska State Parks lists the trail at 4.3 miles one way with about 2,000 feet of gain, for a round trip of about 8.6 miles; mapping apps give slightly more gain. The first part follows an old roadbed up the valley. Then comes the crux: a large boulder field where you hop and scramble between big rocks. Beyond it lie the lower and upper lakes.
The Boulder Field
The boulder field is slow going and hard on ankles. Take your time, test rocks before trusting them, and be especially careful when they are wet. Alaska State Parks advises taking care with pets here; some dogs struggle among the big boulders. Trekking poles can help on the approach but get in the way while scrambling.
Mining History
The Archangel Valley has a mining past, and you will pass old roadbeds and remains along the way. Alaska State Parks asks hikers not to disturb artifacts. The nearby Independence Mine State Historical Park tells more of the Hatcher Pass mining story.
Weather and Seasons
Because the whole route is above timberline, you are exposed to wind, rain and sun all day. Snow lingers into summer, and the boulder field can hold snow patches late in the season. Summer and early fall are the times to go. Bears live in the area; carry bear spray and make noise.
Getting There
The trailhead is at mile 2.5 of Archangel Road, reached via Palmer-Fishhook Road in the Hatcher Pass Management Area, in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough north of Anchorage. Parking costs $5 per day or the $60 Alaska State Parks annual pass. The drive from Anchorage is long, so start early.
Hiking tips for Reed Lakes
- Take the boulder field slowly and test rocks before you trust them.
- Think twice about bringing a dog — the boulder field is hard going for many dogs.
- Pay the $5 Reed Lakes fee or display the annual state parks pass.
- Pack for wind, rain and sun; the whole route is above timberline.
- Leave any mining artifacts where you find them.
Nearby trails to explore
- Thunderbird Falls
- Flattop Mountain
- Wolverine Peak
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Reed Lakes is the classic Hatcher Pass adventure, and the drive is better shared. Use TrailMates to find Anchorage hikers heading north. Download the TrailMates app to connect.