Hiking the Gold Mint Trail

Hatcher’s Pass offers many hiking opportunities. Its varied terrain and access to the backcountry of the Talkeetna Mountains will have you yearning for more with each visit. Some days offer an abundance of time and resources, while others leave you with only an afternoon to spare. On a summer day in the Mat-Su Valley, we chose to keep the logistics simple and set out as a group of three on the Gold Mint Trail in the middle of the pass.

Trail Ready

This trail is an in-and-out 13.4-mile hike. Gold Mint claimed its name as the once-standing Gold Mint Mining operation and the Mint Glacier that carved the valley. Locals and visitors alike frequently recommend this trail, and traffic fluctuates with the seasons. (DNR) Regardless of the season, always be ready to be self-reliant wherever you travel in Alaska. This means wearing synthetic clothing, bringing layers and rain gear, having enough food and water, and packing a personal medical kit for day hikes.

This trailhead comes flush with luxuries: a large paved parking lot, toilets, and a map with interpretive signage. A drop box is available for parking payments of $5. Road signage helps to locate the trailhead off the paved Fishhook-Willow Road. The entrance is on the right-hand side by the hairpin turn and accessible to most vehicles. The path is well-maintained and open to horses and dogs.

Heading Out

The path starts and maintains a gradual elevation gain throughout. Brush lines the trail and can become overgrown at certain times of year. Continual traffic and trail maintenance seems to keep the overgrowth from becoming unmanageable. This coverage also sounds the alarm to be bear aware: take note of your surroundings, know your preventive measures, and carry bear spray. Using bear spray requires knowing when and how to use it. Click here for bear spray protocol.

Depending on pace and taking the time to admire the facets of the Gold Mint Trail, this hike can take anywhere from 2 hours to all day. Tall bushes and trees border the walkway as roots and spring water cut through at parts.  The Little Susitna River runs parallel to the trail, offering ideal places to rest with beautiful views. Additionally, if you have a water filtering system, you can fill up along the trail. The scenery rolls through the vibrant greens of foothills that climb into craggy peaks of the Talkeetnas.

Be Mindful of the Local Residents

Not too far into the trail sits an actively maintained beaver dam. On the day of our hike, no beavers were present but the evidence of their architectural prowess was enough for us. This is also also a great place to enjoy the song birds of Alaska and the chirping of marmots. This specific summer afternoon was a perfect time for us to let our gaze follow the expansive fields of fireweed and take in the variety of wildflowers bloomingNot too far into the trail sits an actively maintained beaver dam. (Nature) On the day of our hike, no beavers were present, but the evidence of their architectural prowess was enough for us. Sometimes, this can be a wonderful place to enjoy the song birds of Alaska and the chirping of marmots. This specific summer afternoon was a perfect time for us to let our gaze follow the expansive fields of fireweed and take in the variety of wildflowers blooming.

Be Weather Aware

Hatcher’s Pass is known for its afternoon alpine showers, due to interactions between coastal weather patterns, natural terrain, and temperature. (US Forest Service) Knowing in advance that the weather would turn, we brought rain gear and kept an eye on the sky. That afternoon, in particular, it was easy to tell by the gathering dark clouds that a downpour was imminent. Giant thunderclaps exploded around, and the heavy storm clouds released a deluge of water onto us as we neared the end of the trail. Subsequently, we ended the hike with a mad dash back to the car in the heavy rain.

Fireweed on trail in Alaska
Lessons of a Day Hike

This hike reminded us just how quickly the weather can change in Alaska. Other parties have hiked this trail in the past, assuming unchanging weather and relying on inadequate gear, resulting in fatalities. (NPS) Never underestimate a day hike in Alaska, and always be prepared! Even with the rain, this hike was a fantastic experience, and I would recommend it to most people. It never hurts to have a dry change of clothes in the car and a warm plate of food in Palmer to look forward to.