Summary:
A half day or longer day trip or overnight hike to two lakes in alpine country in the Talkeetna Mountains

Location:
19 miles north of Palmer, AK

Lenght:
3 miles one way to Lower Reed Lake
another 1 mile to Upper Reed Lake
another 2 miles to Bomber Glacier

Difficulty:
Moderate to Lakes
Srenuous to Bomber Glacier

Trail Type:
Developed, Forest, Mountain

Total Elevation Gain:
1800 ft to the upper lake
4100 ft to Bomber Glacier

Trail Profile:


Special Features:
Forest, Waterfalls, Lakes, Cliffs, Campsites, Glacier

Best Season:
Summer, and early Fall

Directions to Trail Head:
Take Glenn Highway to Fishhook-Willow Rd, turn west towards Hatcher Pass, and drive 14.6 miles and turn right on Archangel Rd., trail is on the right.

In-depth Description:
The trail makes a great long day hike, but there are plenty of good campsites near the lakes and on the benches above them. Rock climbers use the trail to get to good climbing areas.

The trail is wide and easy for the first 1.5 miles, following an old road to the site of Snowbird Mine Village, but is much rougher beyond, including some boulder-hopping to get into the upper valley of Reed Creek. Just past the cabin is the junction with the Snowbird Mine Trail, which may be unmarked.

The entire east side of this valley is one big boulder slide, and azure Lower Reed Lakes is near the end of the slide, at 3,750 ft. Upstream, the creek pours over two rock ledges. Around the bend to the right, 500 feet higher and a mile farther, is the upper lake.