Fairangel Lakes Trail

The feel

There is no sign at the start. The trail begins as a clear but unmarked footpath leading downhill from the very end of Archangel Road, and a small shed at the start means you have the wrong trail.

Within 0.1 mile come two mildly gymnastic stream fords, then an easy boulder field at about 0.5 mile and another stream at 0.6 mile. After that a steep, muddy scramble brings you to Lower Fairangel Lake. The trail then curves up and to the left around the slope to Upper Fairangel Lake. Along the way are a few mining relics, and it is a shorter, less crowded version of Reed Lakes.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 2.6 miles total, with about 941 to 1,180 ft of gain, rated hard. Stream fords, a boulder field and a steep muddy scramble lead to two alpine lakes.

Time

About 1.5 to 2 hours.

Crowds and best time

You are unlikely to meet many other people. Typical season is July to September.

Parking

Park at the end of Archangel Road without blocking other vehicles. Or park at the Reed Lakes trailhead and walk or bike the remaining 1.7 miles one way.

Fees and passes

No parking fee.

Hazards

Stream crossings, with a harder river crossing and wetter trail after rain. The trail is unsigned and the road past Reed Lakes is extremely rough.

Season and access

Archangel Road usually does not open until June or July and is gated shut once winter sets in. Past the Reed Lakes trailhead it needs good ground clearance and preferably AWD or 4WD.

Mingo says

Go from July through September, when Archangel Road is open. Allow extra time after rain, because the crossings run higher and the trail turns wet.

Before you go

• Turn off Hatcher Pass Road sharply right at about mile 14.4 onto unpaved Archangel Road.
• Bring a vehicle with good ground clearance, preferably AWD or 4WD, for the road past the Reed Lakes trailhead.
• Plan on wet shoes at the stream crossings.

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