Hatcher Pass consists of 300,00 acres of managed land. This terrain is home to the Talkeetna mountain range. This area explores a variety of summer hiking, winter skiing options, and a lush history of gold mining. This mountain pass sits close to Palmer and Wasilla, so as to create easy accessibility for exploration.

Hatcher Pass acquired the name sake from the prospector and miner Robert Hatcher. The road to the pass, built in 1906, created access to the mining operations established to extract placer gold. Gold was no longer seen as a necessity once WWII was started, and the mine closed abruptly. This quick decision left way for a ghost town of abandoned machinery and buildings. Once the third-largest lode-gold producing district in Alaska, now the historic site of Independence Mine State Historical Park.

The Independence Mine State Park, has now restored the original mining buildings. A great place to find interpretive signage and feel what it was like to live in a gold mining town in the back country of Alaska. There are options to walk up to the park and enjoy free parking or to drive beyond the gates and pay admission. During peak summer months you can even catch a guided tour.

The former mining road is now creates access to scenic drives, trail heads to popular hikes, or entry to the back country of the Talkeetna mountain range. Many popular trails stem from Hatcher Pass such as The Gold Mint Trail and the Reed Lakes Trail. Both routes are hallmarks of Alaska’s natural scenery and terrain.

Waterfalls cascade down giant faces of slick rock and cushion plants carpet the terrain. During the summer months you can catch paragliders and hang gliders riding the warm thermal air from tall peaks. If you are willing to explore the less traveled path you can find valley glaciers seated beneath jagged peaks.

This area is great for fall berry picking,  but always be bear aware! The weather in the pass can change quickly and you can expect alpine thunderstorms accompanied by torrential downpours of rain in the afternoons. Make sure to have plenty of food and water and know what gear to wear. Alert someone to your location and expected departure time whenever exploring the pass.

Hatcher Pass has some rock climbing sections that are good for traditional climbing or sport depending on experience level. There is also accessibility to glaciers that sit beyond the beaten path, on the route of the snow huts that are operated by the Mountaineering Club of Alaska. Make sure to check out their page for etiquette and community standards if you wish to explore their creations of conservation.

Enjoy full road accessibility in the summer and limited accessibility in the winter. Whether it is winter or summer, there is something for everyone in the pass. This is an Alaskan gem with versatility in recreation options.

Some trail heads require state park fee entry ($5). The main road is accessible to low clearance and larger vehicles. Side dirt roads to certain trail heads will require high clearance and four wheel drive.