Trek Through Hatcher Pass

The Gateway to the Alaskan Gold Rush

About Hatcher Pass:

Located in the Talkeetna Mountains between Palmer and Willow is an Alaskan haven and scenic destination of Hatcher Pass. As the name states, Hatcher Pass is a mountain pass that cuts through the Talkeetna Mountains on the way towards Denali National Park. The pass runs the through the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and is an ideal getaway for residents in the Anchorage, Wasilla, and Willow areas of the 49th state. Having done this drive before, it is one of the most scenic and beautiful drives in Alaska.

The pass and surrounding areas are most notable for the protecting and gold mining that took place in the valley during the 19th and 20th centuries. Today you can still find active mines and areas where you are not allowed to trespass on.

How To get To Hatcher Pass:

Access to the pass is gained from the nearby towns of Wasilla, Palmer, or Willow. Wasilla-Fishhook Road also known as Hatcher Pass Road, is a road which runs 60 miles through the pass and from both towns will lead right to the beginning of the pass.

During the summer months beginning in June, the pass opes up for vehicles to take the scenic drive through the he pass runs 22 miles between Palmer and Willow. The road is rough in some spots and mostly made up of dirt and gravel.

Our Visit to Hatcher Pass

During our travel in Alaska we were fortunate enough to spend 2 days in the Hatcher Pass area. Driving up to the pas from Wasilla, we passed a pull off for Little Susitna River comprised of large rocks to walk out and observe the raging river cutting through high narrow rock walls with tress hanging off its edges. It was an absolutely great spot for a quick leg stretch and offered some great opportunities for some photos.

Our first day we decided to head up to the Independence Mine State Historic Park which is an abandoned gold mine that was last in use in the 1940’s and 50’s. The skies darkened and rain sprinkled the for the early morning but eventually cleared up by mid afternoon which we were grateful for. Once at the park we hiked up to see the mine before meeting with an amazing local photographer for a an amazing Alaska photoshoot. Our second day in the Hatcher Pass area we ventured to the Summit Lake State Recreational Site for some hiking before driving through through pass on our way to Talkeetna.

Independence Mine State Historic Park:

The most popular activity during the the year at Hatcher Pass is to visit the Independence Mine State Historic Park. This abandoned gold mine is a local and tourist favorite. Remnants the old mine can be seen all over. Structure and houses sit at the visitor center and restored to its original look. Visitors can walk through the mines, tunnels and walkways that workers and their families took everyday during the gold rush in the Talkeetna Mountains.

Independence Mine was originally set up as two separate mines, the Alaska Free Gold Mine and Independence Mine. In 1938 the Alaska Pacific Consolidated Mining Company combined the two and at its peak right before World War II, the mine had over 200 workers. 12 miles of tunnels made up the mine and gold was a found daily. The mine operated until the start of the war and fizzled out after a brief stint after the end of World War II officially closing in 1951. The Historic Site was set up in 1980 and has been restored ever since.

Hiking around the site is a popular activity during the summer months. From the visitor center you can take Hardrock Trail which leads you thought the old buildings, a collapsed mill, and barracks and takes you up to the mine itself. During the winter months the site is a great destination for cross country skiing that cut through site and local surroundings.

Our Hike

On our visit to the mine we stopped in the visitor center and refurbished structures for more information and to get a feel for what the miners lived in back when the mine was operational. After venturing out of the buildings at the bottom of the site we made our way along the Independence Mine Trail. The Independence Mine Trail is a 2 mile easy hike that leads you through what is left of the old mine. It was a great hike especially for those looking for an easy family friendly hike. Then it was off to our photoshoot.

Summit Lake State Recreation Site:

Our second day in the Hatcher Pass Area we made our way to the Summit Lake State Recreation Site. Standing at 3,886 feet, Summit Lake is a prime destination for visitors, travelers, hikers and skiers. Summit Lake is glacially carved lake that sits at the top of Hatcher Pass. The Recreation Site sits 2 miles past the entrance to the Independence Mine State Historic Site after turning off the main road and heading up into there mountain pass.

The road leading to summit lake is typically open July through late September for visitors to take in the scenery of the lake and the mountains and valley in the backdrop. To cut through Hatcher Pass you will need to pas right by Summit Lake so getting out and doing a hike or relaxing for a little bit is always a good idea. During the summer months it is common to see wildlife, paragliders, and hikers about.

We knew that we would be driving through the pass later in the day spa we wanted to get a little hike in beforehand. We chose the April Bowl Trail. The April Bowl Trail is a 2.2 mille out and back featuring steep hiking but offered us with amazing views of the valley below and the glacier lakes nestled in the mountains.

When you make the trek to the Recreation Site, make sure to take in the Alaskan Range in the distance, the Little Sustina River that cuts through the valley, and even pick some fresh berries.

Drive through the Pass:

As we passed by the parking area for Summit Lake you continued on the road that switchbacks down the mountain until we reached the flat pass heading into the valley. The drive is one of the most scenic in Alaska. Our journey the pass was great because we encountered only 2 cars along the way so we had the whole pas to ourselves.

As we continued through he pass the sky grew bigger and bigger with sprawling meadow views overlooked by mountain peaks and trees as far as you could see. As per usual we stopped at about 45 places for photos and false bear sightings in the distance. It was awesome!

Driving through Hatcher Pass can only be done from July through September as the land management does not keep up with plowing during the heavy Alaskan winters. The pass is a great drive for wildlife viewing, sight seeing, photographing, and camping. Those looking to camp can pull off at the many turn outs, river beds, and inlets along the pass and set up for the night or however log their stay may be.

Summer Activities at Hatcher Pass:

Hiking:

Hatcher Pass is filled with miles of gorgeous trails for hikers to enjoy. From the Mine, to the Lake and beyond it is a hikers haven. Maps fro trails and areas where backcountry is allowed can be found at the summit of the Lake and when you start traveling toward the pass.

Paragliding:

Paragliding is an incredibly popular summer activity at Hatcher Pass. Gliders take off from “Nixon’s Nose”, a summit that is only accessible via hiking along the pass.

Wildlife Viewing:

Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the entire world, throw in the wildlife and this place is as close to perfection as you’ll find. Hatcher Pass is no different. Catch a glimpse of the Moose, caribou, sheep, black and brown bears, wolf, wolverine, coyote, beaver, fox, marten, mink, hare, Arctic ground squirrels, collared pikas, hoary marmots, and lynx.

Winter Activities at Hatcher Pass:

Skiing and Snowboarding:

Hatcher Pass is on the of the premier destinations in Alaska for snowboarders and downhill skiers. Sweetawk Resort located in the pass is the resort in which snow goers flock to in order to catch some fresh powder. The resort opened in 2020 and has been an Alaskan staple ever since.

Snowmobiling:

Snowmobiling is one of the most popular winter activities in the pass. The entire length of the pass and roads are open and groomed for snow adventurers. Make sure to abide by park rules and look out for back country signs for some off the beaten path excursions.

Cross Country Skiing:

Hatcher Pass is one the best destinations for cross country skiing in the state. The mine site and Archangel Road are regularly groomed for skiers to trek the gorgeous terrain. Catch the rope tow at the Old Fishhook Inn for a glimpse into the life of miners back in the day who had to trek the valley with skis to get around.

Where to Stay near Hatcher Pass:

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Wasilla

• Meier Lake Resort – Highly recommend!!! Where we stayed. Well worth the stay!
• Alaska’s Lake Lucille Bed and Breakfast
• Windbreak Cafe
• Alaska’s Select Inn Wasilla

Palmer

• Hatcher Pass Cabins – Recommended! Located at the foot of the Mine Park with adorable cabins and a lodge.
• The Pioneer Motel
• Eagle Hotel
• Knik River Lodge
• Alaska Knotty Pine B&B

Be sure to check out our other Alaska posts here: