Hatcher Pass

Guide to Reed Lakes Trail & Gold Mint Trail in Hatcher Pass State Management Area Upper Reed Lake Reed Lakes Trail: Trail Access: Mile 2.5 Archangel Road via Palmer-Fishook Road Allowable Uses: Biking & Hiking to mile 1.5; Hiking-only after Distance: 4.3 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 2000 feet Difficulty: Moderate Gold Mint Trail: Trail Access: Mile 14 Palmer-Fishook Rd. Allowable Uses: Hiking, Skiing Distance: 7.8 miles one-way Elevation Gain: 1500 feet Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Little Susitna River Reed Lakes Trail: Reed Lakes Trail - Elevation Profile 4500 Elevation (feet) This popular day-hike initially follows an old roadbed through mining remains (please do not disturb artifacts), then climbs moderately steep slopes to a boulder field (be careful with your footing and with pets). A trail emerges from the boulders in beautiful alpine terrain. As you climb higher you will encounter streams and small ponds, before emerging above Lower Reed Lake. Following the trail further will lead to a waterfall and the trail-end at Upper Reed Lake, an alpine lake at just over 4000 feet in elevation. The entire route is above timberline. 4000 Gold Mint Trail: 3500 3000 2500 2000 Elevation (feet) 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3 Distance (miles) 3.5 4 4.5 This trail is popular for day-hiking and cross-country skiing. The trail gradually gains elevation as it stays near the valley bottom. The further you get from the trailhead, the narrower it gets. There are mountain views and glimpses of Little Susitna River. Near the head of the valley the trail becomes less defined, and it eventually peters out. Most of the route is above timberline. Gold Mint Trail - Elevation Profile 3500 3250 3000 2750 2500 2250 2000 1750 Other Information: For more information about Hatcher Pass State Management Area, please call the Mat-Su Area Parks Office at (907) 745-3975, or visit the following web address: http://dnr.alaska.gov/parks/units/hatcherpass/hatcherpass.htm 0 1 2 3 4 5 Distance (miles) 6 7 8 DNR Public Information Center 550 W. 7th Ave, Suite 1260 Anchorage, AK 99501 (907) 269 – 8400