Lower Reed Lakes, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

The Reed Lakes Hike in Hatcher Pass, Alaska

Updated in October 2026, The Reed Lakes Hike in Hatcher Pass, Alaska was originally written in April 2020

The Reed Lakes Hike in Hatcher Pass is one of my favorite day hikes in Alaska. I’ve spent 33 years wandering around Alaska, and this trail remains one of the hikes I return to when I want big mountain scenery without committing to a multi-day trek.

The Reed Lakes Trail climbs through the Talkeetna Mountains to Lower Reed Lake and Upper Reed Lake, passing old mining remains, alpine valleys, waterfalls, boulder fields, and turquoise glacial lakes along the way. It’s a challenging hike rather than a casual stroll, but the scenery is absolutely worth the effort.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about the Reed Lakes hike, including how to get to the trailhead, trail distance and elevation gain, what the hike is actually like, camping at Reed Lakes, nearby Hatcher Pass hikes, recommended gear, and safety tips.

Perched in the Talkeetna Mountains within Hatcher Pass Recreational Area, with wide-open green valleys reminiscent of a jailoo in Kyrgyzstan, craggy granite spires the flash me back to trekking adventures I’ve had in Tajikis tan, Pakistan, Peru, and Chile, and two neon turquoise glacially-fed alpine lakes this, in my opinion, is one of the most photogenic treks you can take in Southcentral Alaska.

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Reed Lakes Hike Table Of Contents

Reed Lakes Hike Quick Facts
How to Get to the Reed Lakes Trailhead
Reed Lakes Hike: Trail Description
How Difficult Is the Reed Lakes Hike?
Camping at Reed Lakes
Other Hatcher Pass Hikes
What to Bring on the Reed Lakes Hike
Reed Lakes Hike Safety & Practical Information

Reed Lakes Hike Quick Facts

Location	Hatcher Pass, Alaska
Trailhead	Reed Lakes Trailhead on Archangel Road
Distance	8.6 miles round trip officially
Elevation gain	2,000 feet officially
Difficulty	Moderate to strenuous
Time	Allow most of a day
Lower Reed Lake	3,750 feet
Upper Reed Lake	Just over 4,000 feet
Best time	Late June through September
Parking	Limited at the trailhead
Dogs	Rocky/bouldery sections require caution
Camping	Possible at Reed Lakes

How to Get to the Reed Lakes Trailhead

Lower Reed Lake, Mint-Bomber Traverse, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

The Reed Lakes Trailhead is on Archangel Road in the Hatcher Pass Management Area, roughly 1.5 hours north of Anchorage. From Anchorage, the drive takes you through Palmer and up into the Talkeetna Mountains before turning onto the rough gravel road to the trailhead.

The Archangel Road turnoff is at approximately mile 14.4 of Hatcher Pass Road. The Reed Lakes Trailhead is about 2.9 miles along Archangel Road. The final section of the road is rough and rocky, and high-clearance vehicles are recommended. Parking at the Reed Lakes Trailhead is limited, particularly on summer weekends.

Driving to Reed Lakes from Anchorage

Take the Glenn Highway north from Anchorage toward Palmer/Wasilla. You can approach Hatcher Pass from either the Wasilla or Palmer side.

Via Wasilla

From the Glenn Highway, follow the Parks Highway toward Wasilla and take Trunk Road. Continue to Palmer-Fishhook Road, then follow Palmer-Fishhook Road toward Hatcher Pass. Turn onto Archangel Road and continue toward the Reed Lakes Trailhead.

Via Palmer

From the Glenn Highway, continue toward Palmer and turn onto Palmer-Fishhook Road. Follow the road toward Hatcher Pass, then turn onto Archangel Road. Continue along Archangel Road to the Reed Lakes Trailhead.

Important: Don’t assume the road to the trailhead is a smooth gravel road just because it is accessible by normal vehicles. Archangel Road can be rough, particularly beyond the Archangel Creek bridge. I have gotten back there with my little car, driving cautiously, but a high-clearance vehicle is handy as the road beyond the bridge is very rocky.

Reed Lakes Trailhead Parking

Parking is limited at the Reed Lakes Trailhead, and congestion should be expected on summer weekends. Arrive early if you’re hiking on a sunny weekend.

Looking for day hike ideas? Check out the 16 best day hikes near Anchorage, Alaska

Reed Lakes Hike: Trail Description

The Reed Lakes Hike is about 8.5 miles in total (4.25 miles each direction) with an elevation gain of about 2,250 feet. Make sure to have a backpack with you and bring enough water and some snacks (and a camera too!).

The hike starts out pretty mellow and is fairly flat for about the first 2 miles. It then begins to switchback uphill shortly after you pass the mine ruins from which you can optionally head northeast toward Snowbird Hut and Mine.

Reed Lakes Hike, Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole

Once up the hill, you have to cross a boulder section along the river. There is no clear path at this point but you’ll be able to see other routes people have taken- cut be careful, especially if it’s been raining as this part can get quite slippery.

Once beyond you’ll reach a beautiful green bowl and from here it’s just a short hike uphill to the first Reed Lake. Upper Reed Lake is just a bit further beyond.

Trying to travel Alaska without breaking the bank? Check out the Budget Travel in Alaska guide

How Difficult Is the Reed Lakes Hike?

The Reed Lakes hike is a moderate to strenuous day hike, depending on your experience with steep and rocky terrain. The distance isn’t extreme, but the boulder section near the upper part of the trail makes the hike considerably more challenging than the relatively easy opening miles.

The trail gains roughly 2,000 feet from the trailhead to the upper lake, and the entire route is above timberline. Expect uneven terrain, steep sections, loose rocks and potentially slippery conditions.

If you’re comfortable hiking on rough alpine terrain and have a reasonable level of fitness, the Reed Lakes Trail is very manageable. I would not choose it as a first-ever hike, however, especially if the weather is wet.

Camping at Reed Lakes

Lower Reed Lake, Reed Lakes Hike, Hatcher Pass, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — The waterfall between the lakes

You can turn the Reed Lakes hike into an overnight backpacking trip, although you’ll need to carry everything you need into the mountains and pack everything back out.

Lower Reed Lake has better camping options than Upper Reed Lake, in my experience. If you’re planning to spend the night, I’d aim for Lower Reed Lake rather than hauling your gear farther uphill.

Remember that you’re camping in bear country. Store food and scented items securely and never leave food unattended around camp. I recommend carrying a bear-resistant food container and bringing bear spray.

Other Hatcher Pass Hikes

Mint-Bomber Traverse

After reaching Upper Reed Lake you’ll continue up and over Bomber Pass and down onto Bomber Glacier, named after the TB-29 Superfortress wreckage on the glacier that you’ll pass on the way down to Bomber Hut.

From Bomber Hut you’ll hike to Penny Royal Glacier and traverse it up to the Backdoor Gap. Below you’ll arrive at Mint Hut and from there it’s smooth sailing all the way to the Goldmint Trailhead.

In all, the hike is about 18 miles in length. This trek can be done in reverse as well. Read more about the Mint-Bomber Traverse.

Snowbird-Bomber Traverse

The Snowbird-Bomber Traverse can be done by continuing over Bomber Pass and Glacier to Bomber Hut, much like the Mint-Bomber Traverse. From Bomber Hut you’ll head west and follow the river valley out before meeting with another valley.

From here you’ll continue south (lots of bushwhacking and boulder hopping involved) to eventually climb upwards to Snowbird Hut and Snowbird Glacier. From there you’ll cross Snowbird Pass and descend back down to the mining ruins below the beginning of the uphill to Reed Lakes. You’ll follow the Reed Lakes Trail back to the trailhead to finish. In all this variation is about 15 miles in distance.

Read more about the Snowbird-Bomber Traverse.

What to Bring on the Reed Lakes Hike

Upper Reed Lake, Hatcher Pass, Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska, Adventures of Nicole — Upper Reed Lake

Reed Lakes Hike Safety & Practical Information

Best Time to Hike Reed Lakes

The best time to hike the Reed Lakes Trail is generally late June through September, although conditions can vary considerably from year to year. Snow can linger at higher elevations into summer, and the boulder section becomes more difficult when wet or icy.

Weather

Don’t underestimate Hatcher Pass weather. Conditions can change quickly in the mountains, and temperatures around the lakes can be much colder than in Palmer or Anchorage. Bring waterproof layers and something warm even when the forecast looks good.

Wildlife

Bears, moose and other wildlife live throughout Hatcher Pass. Make noise while hiking through areas with limited visibility, keep your distance from wildlife, and carry bear spray.

Fires

Open campfires are not allowed within the Hatcher Pass Recreational Area. Check current regulations before camping.

Cell Service

Phone service is spotty in Hatcher Pass and non-existent along the Reed Lakes Hike.

Road Conditions

The road to the Reed Lakes Trailhead is part of the adventure. Archangel Road is rough, and the section beyond the Archangel Creek bridge is particularly rocky.