Eagle & Symphony Lakes

The feel

The trail starts on a short boardwalk, then leads up the valley with views of the South Fork drainage. Almost 3 miles from the trailhead it crosses a bridge over the South Fork Eagle River, and the lakes sit at the end of the valley, dammed by a rockslide. Eagle Lake is glacier-fed and blue-green, and Symphony Lake, another half mile or so on, is dark blue and groundwater-fed.

The two lakes meet across a skinny isthmus. The trail is very popular, and a side trail into Hanging Valley usually avoids the crowds. The boulder field begins after Eagle Lake, and the lakes are stocked with trout and grayling.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 9.6 miles total, with about 850 ft of gain; 4.8 miles one way to Eagle Lake. Boardwalk at the start, a bridge over the river, then talus sections and a boulder field with medium sized boulders between the lakes. Stable footwear is needed there.

Time

About 4.5 hours.

Crowds and best time

Very popular. Parking is hard to find on sunny weekends.

Parking

Limited lot on West River Drive. Do not block access for local residents.

Fees and passes

$5 day use; an Alaska State Parks pass is accepted.

Dogs

Allowed.

Kids

Rated moderate.

Hazards

The trail crosses avalanche prone slopes. Cairns through the boulder field can be inconsistent and hard to spot. The trail can get muddy in the rainy season.

Bathrooms and water

Use water purification techniques for drinking water to avoid giardiasis.

Season and access

Typical season May to October. Hiking only, no bikes. Camping is only permitted over half a mile from the trailhead, and open fires are prohibited except in portable camp stoves.

Mingo says

Pick a sunny weekday if you can. Sunny weekends fill the lot, so a weekday gives you space. Rainy weeks leave mud underfoot.

Before you go

• Reach the lot from the Eagle River Loop/Hiland Drive exit off the Glenn Highway, then Hiland Drive, South Creek and West River Drive.
• Bring $5 or an Alaska State Parks pass.
• Pack sturdy footwear for the rocks between the lakes.
• Carry a stove if you plan to camp, since open fires are prohibited.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.