Archangel Road opens for summer access to Reed Lakes

Archangel Road is open for the season in Hatcher Pass, restoring vehicle access to the Reed Lakes Trailhead and the alpine country beyond it.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities announced the opening and warned drivers to expect a rough, unpaved road with pedestrians, cyclists and other recreation users sharing the corridor.

The road starts near mile 14.4 of Hatcher Pass Road and runs about four miles into the Hatcher Pass East Management Area, according to Alaska State Parks. Reed Lakes Trailhead is at about mile 2.9.

That trail is one of the Mat-Su's standout summer hikes. It climbs into boulder fields, waterfalls, tarns and blue-green alpine lakes below the Talkeetna Mountains.

State Parks says parking at Reed Lakes is limited, and weekend congestion should be expected. High-clearance vehicles are recommended on Archangel Road. The road beyond the Archangel Creek bridge, around mile 2.8, is not maintained and is very rocky.

DOT asked visitors to park only in designated areas, drive slowly and watch for dust, rough surfaces and changing conditions.

The road is open. Hatcher Pass is still mountain country.