Southcentral Community: Hatcher Pass
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The Hatcher Pass area is an alpine paradise filled with panoramas of the Talkeetna Mountains, foot trails, gold mine artifacts and some unique lodging possibilities. The area is one of the most photographed in the Mat-Su Valley and can be accessed from Wasilla, Willow or Palmer. Whatever route you choose, the scenery will be spectacular.
The pass itself is 22 miles out of Palmer and, at 3,886 feet, is an alpine area of meadows, ridges, steep drops and a beautiful body of water known as Summit Lake. A popular destination for parasailing, on most calm evenings, you can sit on a ridge and watch the daredevils strap themselves to the colorful sails and glide with the wind.
Independence Mine State Historical Park is in the area, consisting of a fascinating 272-acres, all above tree line. Within the beautiful bowl-shaped valley of the park are the remains of 16 buildings that were built in the 1930s by the Alaska-Pacific Mining Company, one of the leading hard rock gold mines in Alaska in its day. Abandoned in 1955 and now a state park, the mine and the company town that was built around it make for a fascinating day in anyone's trip to Alaska. The Manager's House has been converted into a visitor center where you can get a walking-tour map of the park and a list of area hikes. Guided tours are also available.
Summit Lake State Recreation Site is also located in the area not far from Independence Mine. Summit Lake is a small cirque lake, or tarn, reaching a depth of 20 feet. The site does not have camping, but provides the perfect spot for a picnic in a spectacular setting.
In winter, Hatcher Pass is a favorite escape for snow machining and cross-country skiing. Backcountry skiing and snowboarding are also popular.
Details
Photo By: Clark Mishler
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A man standing on a rock in middle of rushing boulder laden creek near Hatcher Pass
Location: Just northeast of Palmer, via the Fishhook-Willow Road off Glenn Highway.
Access: By Hatcher Pass Road, a 49-mile-long road that loops over Hatcher Pass, accessible from Wasilla or Willow.
Accommodations: Two lodges, bed and breakfast, limited services.