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Description
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One of my favorite
places to go! Very convenient to Anchorage and one of the most accessible
ways to get into the backcountry. The trail starts over a ridge
then descends into the valley. At the end, after climbing over the
a slew of rocks and boulders from a long ago slide, are two lakes situated on both sides of a lateral
moraine;
Eagle Lake, which is a green milky color and Symphony Lake, a rich blue aquamarine
color. The contrast in color is amazing and is one of the coolest
sites in the park.
While many hike to the Lakes as a day hike, plan an overnighter to allow
time for exploring.
The scenery is gorgeous whichever lake you decide to camp by.
Some people choose to camp right on the spine of the moraine getting
views of both lakes. On the ridge is a strange wooden structure
that was supposedly the start of a cabin.
If you head further down past Eagle Lake, a deep canyon forms where
large herds of Dall Sheep reside. You can proceed up the end to Flute
Glacier and Eagle Peak. Further down the Symphony Lake
side is
another canyon with waterfalls, boulder slopes and hidden lakes (tarns),
as well as the trail to Triangle Peak.
You may even want to explore the mountain, Cantata, that runs right up the middle of
the moraine.
While this trail gets a lot of traffic, it's still a great place to go
and for intermediate backpackers who may be little freaked by trail-less
areas, this is a great destination.
*****
The Following was Submitted by Tracer:
Did this as a day hike on July 6 (2007) with the family (wife, 6 year
old and two dogs). What a great hike!, but the boulder field can be a
challenge for the dogs. Make sure you follow the trail markers. Symphony
Lake is stocked with graylings for some great shore fishing. Lots of
ptarmigan in the area.
*****
*****
The Following was
Submitted Anonymously:
I think this is a
becuase of the easiness of the trail and the combination of the view and
wildlife opportunities.
September 15, 2007
Hiked out here with some friends and
10-15 minutes out of the parking lot we saw a pack of wolves up on the
mountain. These are the same wolves that usually travel in the Eagle
River Valley and they were a nice surprise. Also, the mountains by the
lakes had a nice dusting of snow from the nights rain. :o)
*****
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The
Following was also Submitted Anonymously:
We took a newbie friend
of ours with us for Memorial Day Weekend (2009) promising a true
backcountry Alaska experience with fish galore! He said "impossible",
I said "follow me!" 6 miles later from my house ( I live in
the south fork off Highland) we were there with tents set up and lines
in the water and an hour later, fresh fish in the belly! This is a guaranteed
turn on for the newbie or new Alaskan hiker! The short distance and
small gains in elevation and the unbelievable scenery on this short easy
hike are great. This hike is one of my favorites and it's literally in
my backyard.
We spent plenty of time with the great arctic greyling of Alaska! Alaska
Fish and Game (AFG) started the stocking in 2001 and the fish have
matured and are a year long excitement. My son and I snowshoed the same
trail this past March and iced fished on Symphony Lake and caught
numerous 16-20 inch mature beautiful greyling, the colors in their fins
are amazing in the sun light!
This trip proved no different. The fish were plentiful
and we had a great time. A small tip: when you clean your fish at the
lake make sure to throw your fish scraps in deep water away from the
bank. Panther martin yellow and red dot spinners in 1/16 oz to 1/4 oz
are the bait of choice. Top water dry flies on fly rod bring them to the
top every time!
Fish on every cast!
The boulder field is a challenge but take your
time and follow the markers. There really is no right trail through the
boulder field, just find your way. Take a small rod, some Panther
martins, and your good for as many hours of fishing fun you can you
handle.
Great hike, take the family for a camp out on the
small outcropping on the southeast corner of Symphony Lake for a guaranteed
flat tent pad.
*****
*****
The following was
submitted Sharay Hikes with Kids:
Difficulty: Somewhat Easy -
It was a great hike but with my kids 7 and 8, it was hard for them when
they reached the boulders, but they did do it.
Description:
A great hike for kids. I love backpacking
trips kids can go on. However, I would not make my kids walk to the
Lakes anymore because you can camp before you get to the boulders. I
love the flat trail, unlike Reed Lakes
with the uphill work, then hard boulders. Here you just have a nice
walk.
I really can't wait to snowshoe this trail. However, I will only
snowshoe as far as the first bridge, about 2 miles in.
Warnings:
If not backpacking don't over-pack I
carried a lot of stuff. I would only bring 20oz of water and raingear if
hiking in the summer. It's really just a walk in the park. until the
boulders but its doesn't require any extra gear to do it.
*****
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Important
Information
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Until you get to the
bridge down in the valley, you are on private property. Stay on
the trail and respect the owners.
There are good spots to pitch a tent but you have to look. Drop
your pack on the spine and take a good look around before you
decide. Expect to get your feet wet if you head into the Eagle Lake Canyon;
some parts are marshy. Frank Baker, who submitted the hike for Flute
Glacier, suggests bringing tennis shoes to use till you get to the
end of the canyon.
If traveling with your pooch, keep a jug of water and a bowl in your
vehicle. There are no water sources (except boggy stuff), from the
bridge to the trailhead. If it's a hot day, your dog will thank
you.
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