Reed Lakes

61°50′53.26″N 149°9′4.98″W / 61.8481278°N 149.1513833°W / 61.8481278; -149.1513833 [1]

Reed Lakes
LocationTalkeetna Mountains, Alaska, United States
Coordinates61°44′13″N 148°44′32″W / 61.73694°N 148.74222°W / 61.73694; -148.74222
TypeAlpine lakes
Basin countriesUnited States
Surface elevation1,289 meters (4,229 feet) (Upper lake)

The Reed Lakes are a set of two alpine lakes in the Talkeetna Mountains of Alaska. The upper lake is at 1,289 metres (4,229 ft).[1] They are the namesakes of the popular Reed Lakes hiking trail, and are notable for their turquoise color and location in a dramatic glaciated wilderness landscape.

Recreation and Access

A time lapse video of Upper Reed Lake, taken from Bomber Pass

Due to their year-round cold temperatures and the lack of road access, recreation on the lakes themselves is virtually nonexistent. However, the lakes are a popular destination for photographers, hikers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The Reed lakes can be accessed from the Reed Lakes trailhead on Fern Mine Road. The hike to the lakes is considered moderate, and includes approximately 1900 ft. of elevation gain to Upper Reed Lake and a scramble over a boulder field.[2][3] The Reed Lakes also lie on the informal wilderness route known as the Bomber Traverse.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b "USGNIS". Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  2. ^ "Solstice Light "Beautiful Scenery is Encountered on the Rigorous Hike to Reed Lakes"". Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  3. ^ "Alaska Department of Natural Resources, "Reed Lakes Trailhead"". Retrieved December 6, 2012.
  4. ^ "From a Trail called 'Life': "Air raid: Bomber Traverse in an 11-hour epic"". Retrieved December 6, 2012.