Reek Lakes Hike: The Best Hike in Hatcher Pass Recrational Area, Alaska

Reed Lakes Hike: The Best Hike in Hatcher Pass Recreational Area, Alaska- If looking for the best day hike in Alaska, and especially the best day hike from Anchorage look no farther than the Reed Lakes hike. This hike is the best hike in the fabulous Hatcher Pass Recreation Area. This hike is rated moderate to hard, but only because of one tough section of the hike. Read about hiking to these amazing blue lakes, how to get there, when to go, how long and hard the hike is, and much much more!

Stats

Length: 8.7 miles round tip

Time: 4-5 hours

Difficulty: moderate-hard

Elevation Gain: 2,247 feet

Trailhead: Reed Lakes Trailhead in the Hatcher Pass Recreational Area

Overview

When To Go

Where To Stay

How Hard Is The Hike?

The Route

Tips For The Hike

What To Bring

Other Hikes In The Area That You Might Like

When To Go

Summer months would be the best time to go. Because of the clearance of the road and trails of snow it is recommended to go between the months of April through October. We went the first part of August and it was perfect for road and trail clearance or snow and the elements. We had a foggy and rainy day but it was still a great hike.

Where To Stay

This hike can be completed as a day hike from Anchorage or Palmer, Alaska. It could also be paired with another small hike in the Hatcher Pass area if you get an early start.

Camping

We traveled around Alaska in a Million Mile Adventures campervan. So we stayed at two different places before and after the hike.

In Hatcher Pass Recreational Area there are some camping spots. We stayed at the Gold Mint Parking Lot and Trailhead. This was nothing fancy, mostly a parking lot. Simple but they did have restrooms, firepits, a cheap rate and a spot to sleep overnight to put you close to the trailhead in the morning.

After the hike we stayed closer to the small town of Palmer, Alaska at the Matanuska River Park. We were getting on our flight home after this day so we wanted a campsite with showers to clean up before we left. It was also a great family campground.

Hotels

There are a lot of great places to stay and complete this hike as a day hike.

Anchorage, Alaska would be just over an hour drive to the trailhead. Palmer, Alaska is a charming small town that would put you close to the trailhead, with being just a 30 minute drive to the start of the trail.

Booking.com

How Hard Is The Hike?

This hike is rated hard, but I believe I would rate it more moderate. It is rated hard because it does take some route searching, especially on a foggy and cloudy day. There is also a section that you will need to maneuver around some large boulders. This takes being sure footed and knowing how to take the best route along an unmarked area.

But besides this hike it is not terrible, just long in length so make sure you have stamina and become prepared.

The Route

Parking

The Reed Lakes Hike is located in the Hatcher Pass Recreational Area. This area could be explored for a few days, lots to see here. The Reed Lakes hike is one of the highest rated hikes in this area.

To get to the trailhead you will need to take the Archangel Road. This road is known for being rough and not well maintained. When turning onto the road there were a few rough patches but nothing our campervan couldn’t handle by going slow and watching for rocks and potholes.

Eventually we arrived at a one lane bridge, the Archangel Creek Bridge. The trailhead was still a little bit farther (about 0.1 mile to the trailhead) but the area looked crowded with cars and rocky. We decided to park before the bridge and walk the rest of the way. This seemed to have been a good idea as there were a lot of large rocks that might have caused a flat tire or damage to the car.

Start

The trail starts on a flat trail before you hit a few switchbacks through the brush. This part of the trail is well marked. We saw a lot of hikers with their dogs, always well behaved.

Once through the switchbacks you will hear some water, passing the river. This is where you will need to keep an open eye to watch for where the trail continues. A lot of people have made their own route in this area. But everyone still made it through.

The trail starts on some mild boulders, we stopped for a snack around here.

Boulders

The trail continues on to its hardest section, some very large boulders. Here you will need some patience and make sure all of your belongings are secure. This area you will boulder hop around some boulders as large as some small cars!

Lower Reed Lake

The rest of the trail from here on out is a moderate hike. The trails with the fog left me feeling straight out of a Lord of the Rings scene. It was beautiful even with all of the fog and rain.

Before we realized it we stumbled upon a few tents and realized we were at the Lower Reed Lake. This is smaller than the Upper Reed Lake at the end of the trail. So we did not stay long.

Waterfall

Shortly after Lower Reed Lake the trail will be slightly uphill along a waterfall. On the way up it was so foggy we could not even see it but could hear it. On the way down it was clearing up a little, enough to get a decent view of it.

Upper Reed Lake

After another trek through a well marked trail along green grass and boulders we arrived at Upper Reed Lake. And it was well worth it. We stayed to rest our legs, eat our packed lunch and take in the views.

Hike Back

From here you will hike back on the same trail that you came in on.

You do have the option to keep going to the Mint Bomber Traverse (to the Superfortress plane wreckage). This is something that we considered, but since the weather was not the greatest we opted out.

Tips For The Hike

Leave No Trace

Make sure you practice Leave No Trace 7 principles to leave minimal impact on the trails.

Be Bear Aware

Make sure you are Bear Aware while in any part of Alaska. We carried bear spray while on any hike in Alaska. We did not see any moose or bear along this hike, I would be surprised if you did as this is a well trafficked hike. Stay alert, make noise, and seal food in containers. I also used a bear bell since we are usually pretty quiet hikers.

Watch For Weather

Make sure you keep in eye on the weather before heading out on this hike. Alaska’s weather is known to change with little notice.

Go Early

Going early will help you beat the crowds and the heat. Or in the evening!

What To Bring

Water– we each carried 2 liters of water in our hydration bladders with an additional collapsible water bottle.

Hiking Poles– If planning on hiking I do love using them for uphills and downhills, much easier on your knees.

Layers– You never know what Alaska weather and high elevation hikes may bring you. Dress in thin layers and make sure you bring a raincoat as well.

Sunscreen– Sunscreen is essential. We got burnt on this hike because we didn’t reapply our sunscreen often enough.

Bear Spray– we each had our own, and I also attached a bear bell on to my backpack.

Bug Spray– Alaska summers are known for their bugs.

Hiking Shoes– Good sturdy hiking shoes are a must. I love my Ahnu’s.

Snacks/Food– This is a short hike but always packing snacks is a good idea, we packed items such as granola bars, jerky sticks, fruit strips and more.

Sunglasses/Hat– Again it is very bright at the top as it is a pretty wide open area. I would pack sunglasses and maybe even a hat if you are sensitive to the sun.