April Bowl / Hatch Peak

Description

This is a beautiful hike. It’s fairly short and not very steep because of the switchbacks on the first half. There is only about an 800ft elevation gain to the top which is Hatch Peak (roughly 4800ft), only 400ft to the bowl, which contains 2 beautiful blue lakes. A very family friendly trail.

Important Information

No parking fees. However, the gate on the road leading to the trailhead and Summit Lake doesn’t open until late June, sometimes not until July, and closes in August/September (depends on snowfall).

Finding the Trailhead

From Glenn Highway Milepost 49.5, north on Palmer-Fishhook Road to Hatcher Pass for 15 miles, take a left on the gated road (just before Hatcher Pass Lodge) up the mountains. Trailhead is 1.5 miles up the road.

or from George Parks Highway Milepost 36.1, north on Trunk Road to Palmer-Fishhook Road, turn left (north) to Hatcher Pass for 15 miles, take a left on the gated road (just before Hatcher Pass Lodge) up the mountains. Trailhead is 1.5 miles up the road.