Reed Lakes Trail

I wrote this piece 2015. I hope my description of this climb inspires your own adventures. Enjoy.

​Reed Lakes Trail

​August 2015 . . . Late in the day, we set off on a 6 to 8 hour hike up into the alpine in the Talkeetna Mountains. Reed Lakes Trail’s difficulty is noted moderate online. I consider myself fairly fit, but moderate did not come to mind the times I’ve hiked this trail. My opinion may have been skewed by the 30 and nearly 40 pound packs I’ve carried on my back previous hikes and the flasks filled with libation shared among us happy hikers. But, who can say. So, when asked, “Where shall we hike?” I warned of the trails difficulty.

Bridge access was closed to autos, so we parked across from the gate at Archangel Road and hoofed 2.5 miles down the gravel road to the trail head. This place inspires awe - from its majesty to its challenges. I breathed deeply and smiled in anticipation as we started our way down the meandering portion of the trail.

Before we started to climb, we lunched on salmon at one of the wooden foot bridges as I dangled my naked toes above the water crashing its way down the valley. At the beginning of the ascent, we hiked switchbacks at a slow pace so as to watch a group of climbers rappel a rock face we’d eventually stand atop of to look out over the valley and surrounding mountains.

At the boulder field, which is about a mile in distance, I shifted into high gear. Water rushed down the mountain beneath precariously stacked and sometimes unstable boulders. I love the challenge this obstacle course presents no matter whether weighted or unencumbered. Once I felt my hiking companion had a sense and sure footing for bouldering, I skipped and climbed and hopped my way ahead. Minus the weight I’d carried previous climbs, I moved with ease through the field. What a blast!

The feel of the trail is notably different on the other side of the boulder field; challenge gives way to serenity. Still, pristine pools, soft, green footing underneath and jagged mountains jutting skyward all lend to calming the heart and mind - in spite of the climb ahead. It was not feasible to hike to the upper lake due to starting the hike so late in the day and stopping at the lower lake seemed premature. So, we climbed to the top of the falls, sat squarely on top of it and basked in the glory of the day, the beauty and in our accomplishment. Sad we’d not planned for an overnighter, we eventually left our high vantage point to make our way back down into the valley.

It is difficult to describe the immense satisfaction an experience of this nature provides - so I’ll sum it up simply: It’s glorious. And just a note of clarification - devoid of encumbering weight and happy-hiking juice in my system, Reed Lakes Trail is a surprisingly . . . moderate hiking experience. Though the trail is absolutely enjoyable whether weighted or not.

Consideration: Temperature and weather conditions are unpredictable. So, prepare for the adverse and enjoy the salubrious. I’ve climbed bundled in layers and still froze and I’ve also stripped down to my little red bikini top and happily sauntered away. You just can’t predict what will present so prepare.