Your Ultimate Guide to Reed Lakes Trail, Anchorage, Alaska

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure into the heart of Alaska’s Chugach Mountains! If you’re looking for a challenging yet incredibly rewarding day hike near the state’s largest city, the **Reed Lakes Trail near Anchorage, Alaska** is an absolute must-do. This stunning trek takes you through rugged valleys, past cascading waterfalls, and ultimately to two pristine alpine lakes nestled beneath towering peaks. As an Alaska local who’s seen these mountains in every season, I can tell you this trail offers a true taste of raw Alaskan wilderness, all within a reasonable drive from Anchorage. Lace up your boots, grab your bear spray, and let’s dive into everything you need to know to conquer this iconic Chugach gem.

### Quick Trail Stats

* **Distance:** Approximately 8.5 miles round trip (to Upper Reed Lake and back)
* **Elevation Gain:** ~2,000 – 2,200 feet
* **Difficulty:** Strenuous
* **Estimated Time:** 6-8 hours (factor in breaks, photo ops, and lunch at the lake)
* **Dogs:** Yes, on leash. Be mindful of steep sections and sharp rocks for their paws.
* **Fee:** None
* **GPS Coordinates (Trailhead):** 61.0264° N, 149.3364° W (Archangel Road Trailhead)

### Getting There — Trailhead & Parking

The Reed Lakes Trailhead is located in the Hatcher Pass Management Area, roughly a 1.5-hour drive north of Anchorage.

**Directions from Anchorage:**

1. Head north on AK-1 N (Glenn Highway) out of Anchorage.
2. Take Exit 42 to merge onto Trunk Rd toward Palmer/Wasilla.
3. Continue on Trunk Rd for about 5 miles, then turn left onto N Palmer-Fishhook Rd.
4. Follow N Palmer-Fishhook Rd for approximately 10 miles until you see the turnoff for Archangel Road on your left. It’s a well-marked junction for the Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine State Historical Park area.
5. Turn left onto Archangel Road. This is where the pavement ends and the road turns into a bumpy, gravel surface. The road can be rough, especially after heavy rains, so a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended, though not strictly necessary if you drive slowly and carefully.
6. Follow Archangel Road for about 2.5 miles to the large parking area at the very end of the road. This is the trailhead for Reed Lakes.

**Parking:** The parking lot is quite large but can fill up quickly on sunny summer weekends. Arrive early, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, to secure a spot. There are vault toilets available at the trailhead.

### Trail Description — Mile by Mile

The Reed Lakes Trail is a journey through changing landscapes, from a wide gravel road to a challenging alpine scramble. Here’s a mile-by-mile breakdown:

* **Mile 0 – 1.5: The Archangel Road Ascent**
Your adventure begins on a wide, gravel service road that gradually climbs uphill. This section is shared with hikers heading to other trails in the area. You’ll gain elevation steadily, warming up your legs and getting your first glimpses of the stunning valley. The path offers open views, so you can often spot other hikers ahead. Keep an eye out for small waterfalls cascading down the surrounding slopes.

* **Mile 1.5 – 3.0: Along the Creek & Waterfall Views**
Around 1.5 miles, you’ll reach a clear sign for the Reed Lakes Trail, branching off to the left from the main Archangel Road. Here, the trail narrows significantly and begins to follow the enchanting Reed Creek. This section is characterized by a more pronounced dirt path, weaving through alders and evergreens. You’ll cross several small creeks (sometimes requiring careful rock hopping) and begin to hear the roar of a spectacular waterfall ahead. Soon, you’ll get your first unobstructed views of the impressive cascade, often framed by lush greenery in summer. This is a popular spot for photos and a great place to catch your breath.

* **Mile 3.0 – 4.0: Lower Reed Lake Arrival**
After the waterfall, the trail becomes rockier and steeper in sections. You’ll navigate over larger rocks and roots, continuing your ascent alongside the creek. As you break out of the treeline and climb above the main waterfall, the landscape opens up into a gorgeous alpine valley. The path levels out slightly, and then, like a shimmering sapphire, **Lower Reed Lake** appears before you. This is an absolutely breathtaking sight – a clear, cold lake reflecting the rugged peaks that cradle it. Many hikers choose to stop here, enjoying a picnic on the rocky shores and soaking in the views.

* **Mile 4.0 – 4.25: The Scramble to Upper Reed Lake**
For those seeking the ultimate reward, the journey continues beyond Lower Reed Lake to the Upper Lake. This final push is the most challenging part of the hike and is definitely a **scramble**, not a gentle walk. You’ll follow cairns (stacked rocks) and worn paths up a steep, rocky headwall directly behind Lower Reed Lake. There’s no single defined trail; instead, you’ll pick your way up, using your hands for balance and leverage on large boulders and loose scree. Take your time, test your footing, and be aware of loose rocks, especially if others are above or below you. While challenging, the scramble is manageable for experienced hikers with good balance and a willingness to use all four limbs.

* **Mile 4.25 – 4.5: Upper Reed Lake**
Once you conquer the scramble, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring **Upper Reed Lake**. This lake is even more remote and pristine, often featuring floating ice chunks well into summer, fed by the small glacier and snowfields above. The backdrop is pure Chugach grandeur – towering, jagged peaks like the Snowbird Glacier looming in the distance. This is the perfect spot to enjoy your lunch, dip your toes in the icy water (if you dare!), and revel in the profound solitude and beauty of Alaska’s high country.

### Difficulty Rating: Strenuous

I rate Reed Lakes as **strenuous** due to several factors:

* **Significant Elevation Gain:** Over 2,000 feet in less than 4.5 miles is a substantial climb.
* **Technical Terrain:** Beyond the initial road, the trail becomes rocky, uneven, and often muddy. The final push to Upper Reed Lake is a demanding, unmaintained rock scramble that requires agility, balance, and hand-over-foot climbing.
* **Exposure:** Large sections of the trail, especially in the upper valley, are exposed to the elements. High winds, sudden rain, or even snow can occur, even in summer.
* **Distance:** While 8.5 miles isn’t extreme, combined with the elevation and technicality, it makes for a long and tiring day.

This trail is best suited for experienced hikers with good physical fitness, sturdy hiking boots, and a comfortable level of comfort with scrambling on uneven terrain.

### Best Time to Hike — Month by Month Alaska Guide

Knowing when to tackle Reed Lakes is crucial for a

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