Easiest from Cozihaus on Blodgett Lake
Reed Lakes Trail
A genuine alpine hike above Hatcher Pass: mountain scenery, a rock and boulder section, and alpine lakes at the end — rewarding even if you turn around before finishing the whole route.
Who this suits
Guests who want a significant, active hike in the Hatcher Pass area and are comfortable with boulder terrain and real elevation gain. For an easier Hatcher Pass day, see our Hatcher Pass & Independence Mine guide instead.
A plan that works
- Set expectations as a significant hike, not a stroll — alpine terrain, a rock and boulder section, and meaningful elevation gain.
- You do not have to reach the lakes to have a great time — even turning around partway still gets you into beautiful terrain.
- Prior working figures put this at roughly 8 and a half miles round trip with real elevation gain — worth checking current numbers before you commit to the whole route.
- Check current Archangel Road and trail conditions before you go — access to the trailhead can itself be the limiting factor.
Plan your visit
Check current Archangel Road and trailhead access conditions before you go.
Drive and timing, honestly
- No drive time is stated from either property — none has been measured.
- Plan this as a full day: the drive into Hatcher Pass, the trailhead approach, and a substantial hike with real elevation gain together fill the day.
What we won’t promise
- We cannot promise ordinary passenger-vehicle access to Archangel Road or the trailhead — worth checking current conditions.
- We would not treat the roughly 8.5-mile, ~2,000-foot figures as confirmed official numbers — they're prior working figures.
- We cannot promise trail conditions, snow-free dates, or weather.
- We would not call this an easy or short hike.
Practical notes
- Pack real hiking layers and footwear — the boulder section and alpine exposure are real.
- This pairs with the rest of a Hatcher Pass day, including Independence Mine, if you want to make it a bigger trip.
Part of Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass & Independence Mine
Explore the broader Hatcher Pass area — nearby hikes, scenic stops, and current access context.
View Hatcher Pass map →