Local Trails: Reflections Lake

Here in Alaska, we tend to find our most stunning views at the top of high mountain peaks. Sometimes, however, we don’t feel like climbing thousands of feet, especially now while deep snow only makes it more difficult. Here’s where Reflections Lake comes in - an easy, relatively short hike circling a lake with an observation tower on the far side for a fantastic view of the surrounding river valley. Located near Palmer, the lake is a little over a 30-minute drive from campus.

At only 1.1 miles and almost entirely flat, Reflections Lake realistically just borders the line between a hike and a walk. The trail is well marked, usually well-groomed and maintained, and quite easy. In the summer, the lake itself is the main attraction, reflecting the surrounding environment and, for some, being a nice location to bring kayaks. In the winter, however, the lake is frozen over and covered in snow, shifting your attention to the surrounding mountains and frozen Knik River. 

For those interested in going a little further than the short lake loop, a fork in the trail leads you to the edge of the Knik River, and for as long as it remains frozen, you can head out onto the ice itself.

On the far side of the lake stands a multi-level observation tower, providing an overlooking view of the lake, the river, and the mountains surrounding you. If the day is clear, you’ll have a stunning panorama surrounding you.

The trail is dog friendly, and relatively popular, so expect to see other people and maybe a few furry friends along the way. The loop itself will likely take about 30 minutes, although if you take off on the spur trail to the river edge you’ll likely spend a little over an hour on the trail. The short trail might not be worth the drive from campus just to go around, especially while the lake is hidden by snow, but for students already living further north or driving through the area, Reflections Lake is worth a stop if the weather is clear.

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