Hatcher Pass Reviews

I met a local couple at the State Fair and they suggested to go see Hatcher Pass. I had no idea that beauty was as close as it was. I loved every moment of the drive up and back.

What a beautiful drive and view! We drove as far as Independence Mine. The views are spectacular along the way. Be sure and stop at the Little Susitna River Overlook too. We enjoyed a picnic there. There are many trails you can take in Hatcher Pass if you are a hiker. If you aren't you will still enjoy driving up and stopping at the various viewpoints up and down. There are bathrooms available near the lower parking lot about a mile before Independence Mine.

We drove from Wasilla to the Independence Mine - it is a beautiful drive - magnificent scenery. From Wasilla it is a paved road. If you drive from Willow - most of it is gravel and we had a rental car - they don't like you to drive on gravel roads. It was well worth the drive. The mine is very interesting. Lots of historical information.

You've probably read websites and reviews claiming that the 22-mile gravel portion of Willow-Fishhook road is treacherous, dangerous, and scary.

I was debating whether I should attempt to brave it. What if my rental car got stuck or damaged? What if my vehicle slipped off the road, causing injury or death to my family?

Even my own father, who is typically adventurous with these kind of things, strongly urged me to avoid doing this.

I searched and searched for current road conditions, but came up with nothing.

I ended up throwing caution to the wind, and did the drive. What a great decision!

It's described as a gravel road. That's mostly a misnomer. There's relatively little gravel. It's mainly a hard dirt road. At some points, you will be able to drive as fast as 40mph without feeling uncomfortable (though I recommend going slower, to take in the scenery, and to watch for animals or other vehicles).

Unlike other dirt roads, this one was not plagued with all that many potholes, ridges, or bumps. It was actually one of the better non-paved roads I've driven.

I rented an SUV primarily for the purpose of driving this road, but it's easy enough (at least in summer 2018) to drive with any passenger car -- at least provided it's not raining enough to make it muddy.

I found this direction to be far more interesting than going back down to the highway and heading west through Wasilla.

I would suggest taking this road if driving from Anchorage to Denali. Just drive to Hatcher Pass, take Willow-Fishhook road at the top, and head north once you get to Willow!

One warning about the fairly interesting former mine at the top: The buildings are locked at 5pm, and the entire parking lot is gated and closed off at 6pm. This took us by surprise, and we had to rush through it. You can still get in there after 6pm if you're willing to park outside the gate and walk up (probably 0.5 miles uphill).

Worth the drive, even in the rain. The road is gravel/dirt with ruts and potholes, but easily drive able.

Outstanding ! A very pleasant scenic short drive to Hatcher Pass with great picturesque turnouts along the way. Beautiful view and refreshing mountain air. The lodge is cozy with excellent food and great service. I went in the winter so the road to the old mines was not open yet. Great place to spend an afternoon or longer.

Roads closed due to weather I suppose. Could still hike/ski to the old mining town ... worth it if you are physically able ... all uphill!!!!

After visiting much of alaskan roads and searching for such type of greenery ....It is really a different and scenic drive than rest of Alaskan roads has to offer ...A must visit from Palmer area ...we really wanted to spend a lot of time here , had we known it will be so beautiful ...we loved this place so much apart from helicopter tours in alaska ...a green place with lovely views ...

Coming from Willow, the drive is a bit iffy when the road turns from paved to gravel (numerous potholes, but certainly passable), but the views are certainly worth it.

All we saw was white. It was like driving in Heaven, while driving up we did see some waterfalls and beautiful scenery but the higher we got we drove into clouds. it made driving very scary as we couldnt see edge of the road. One of us got out and walked in front of the car (you couldnt see past the hood of the car) so the driving would not drive OFF the steep cliff like area. We saw sow on the other side. THIS was hi-lite of our trip (summer 2009) & Oh and the moose we saw in downtown Anchorage. You dont see such sites in Detroit, MI

When I was in Alaska in September, my cousin and I drove up to Hatcher Pass on Sept. 3, 2016. The 35 mile drive from the Parks Highway up to Hatcher Pass took about an hour and was bumpy with the road varying between paved to gravel to dirt with potholes. But the amazing views along the way was worth it! We crossed beautiful mountain streams, climbed mountains with stunning long-range views and reveled in the gorgeous fall colors. It was absolutely beautiful! When we got to the end of the road, we met a woman who lived nearby and brought her six Alaskan Husky dogs up there to let them run around the mountainsides and creeks. What a treat! Her dogs were very social and all came up to greet me. I'm a "dog person" and I loved getting to meet her and pet her dogs. The only way out of Hatcher Pass is to turn around and go back down the same road, but it's a beautiful drive. It's worth a two hour detour if you have a rental car.

We had a beautiful sunny day - rare in alaska☺️
We did the drive from palmer side and it is paved all the way to independent mine
There is a small fee of $5.00 if you wish to visit the ole mine and park for hikes

The scenery is beautiful and HUGH

Lots of people out picking blueberries

The drive down to willow is a bit challenging but worth it
All the locals out on the quads on the lovely summer day

Definitely worth doing - a couple of hours to all day with hike and picnic stops

Amazing drive that isn’t really gravel but hard packed dirt so an easy drive, but you can only go about 25-35mph because of the twists and turns and traffic. There are some trails but since it was pretty overcast, we decided to just spend some time at Summit Lakes View, walking out on the snowfield, watching a snowboarder and paraflyers. The river runs alongside the entire road and the bright green hillsides and wildflowers are really beautiful. Definitely drive through here even if you’re short on time to stop!

We drove the Pass to The independent mine from Palmer and the view was spectacular!!! Along the way is a beautiful river with crystal blue water. The valley around the Pass was stunning in late afternoon sunlight. We felt like we were in Ireland or something. The old mine was amazing as well. There are couples of trails that provide different views to the valley. This is totally an amazing ending for our Alaska trip!

This is one of the highlights of our Alaska trip. This place doesn't get as touristy as some other tourist spots in Alaska. We drove up to the Hatcher Pass Lodge. We stopped at a couple of spots and saw people camping or walking onto the hills. The small homes/lodge with hills in the background looked like a scene from Switzerland. As we visited in summer we did not see a lot of snow but the mountains are lush yellow with flowers. I will definitely visit this place again in future!

Reed Lake is the best hike we have ever done. 9 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous. Not only is the destination unbelievable… the journey to get there is SO much fun. You could hike this 10 times and never do it the same way twice. Lots or scrambling and bouldering that my 11 and 13 year old could not get enough of! Please make sure you add this to your intinerary.

This is a great area! We did a short stop at Independence Mine for photos, then headed on up to the pass. We hiked various paths/trails and had a great time climbing on rocks overlooking the valley below. Be aware that it can be cold (44 degrees) and windy here even if it is warmer, (70’s) down below. We continued on to Summit Lake and took the trail above the lake. After talking to someone who had come from the opposite direction and learning that the road was in great shape, we continued on to the Wasilla side. Each curve in the road brought a different view…an old mine, a beaver dam, lakes rimmed with cotton grass, roads lined with fireweed, mining claims, sparkling creeks. It was a beautiful drive, but note that it does take a while.

Sunday drive and hiking with family. Beautiful weather, very sunny. Still lots of snow. Pass won't be open until June

My husband and I visited Hatcher Pass during a recent trip to Alaska. While we had seen some stunning views in Alaska, nothing compared to the views of Hatcher Pass. We drove the whole Hatcher Pass road, and also got out to do a couple hikes. The hikes at Hatcher Pass surpassed everything else we had done on the whole trip. It didn't even feel like we were in the same country! I would definitely recommend anyone who is in the area to take the time to drive this road and hike some of this beautiful area.

I always love a good pass and this one will forever be one of the most memorable. It was a chilly, rainy day and the views were still stunning. We stopped at every pull-off opportunity to enjoy the scene. Fall colors were beginning to dot the hillsides and the contrasting colors were beautiful!

We drove from Wasilla on our way to Talkeetna only to find out that the pass road was closed. We had to double back and go up the highway instead. Pkease check out the driving conditions before going. It had snowed yhe night before we went so that may have been why it was closed.

Finally! SNOW!

During the worst winter in recorded history, so I've been told, there is no snow anywhere. I spent two nights at the Alyeska Resort, and had to drive to do something because there was no snow, and the only reason I came to Alaska was to snowshoe. I have dreamt of doing that for 30 years. I didn't think it was too much to ask!

But this year, it seemed to be.

That is until I found hatcher Pass.

This is exactly what I've been looking for. Rolling hills beneath to jagged ridges. Picturesque cabins on one side with the view of another magnificent range in the distance, and an old gold mine on the other side.

This is the Alaskan experience I have been dreaming of for so long. Beautiful deep snow, silence, and sheer, breathtaking beauty.

I highly recommend it for anyone who wants to snowshoe or cross country ski, or just hike up to the most beautiful view I have seen in Alaska so far.

Mid July trip and we were easily able to do the entire Hatcher Pass trail from Palmer to Willow in a Chevy Traverse. 20+ miles are dirt roads and the entire trip was over 60 miles. Allow for several (3+) hours as you'll want to get out a bit a take some pictures. No wildlife on the trip for us except the Ground Squirrel. A couple of old mining towns to stop in that have restroom facilities. Well worth the time spent. Some great view of the surrounding mountains and Summit lake. If you go other times of the year, the road is not as easily passable and doesn't even open until July in most years and closes mid September.

1) Good views if the weather is sunny
2) This place is very windy sometimes so be prepared
3)The trail gets very difficult if you go past the first mountain top
4) Be prepared for colder weather

Must see!!! Beautiful up there. We ended up hiking up a mountain by the gate on the willow side of the pass, since the pass doesn't open until July 4th. The views were awesome. It did take awhile to get to the top but it was worth it.

We have lived in Alaska for three years and love the drive to heathers pass. It is a easy drive with beautiful vistas. The mine is fun to explore. Just a note the mine is seasonal and usually don’t open till mid June. Worth the drive.

One of the beautiful pass. The road from Palmer to hatcher pass is also amazing. The valley from the pass is breathtaking.

We drove from Palmer to Willow through Hatcher Pass. Much of the road is gravel, with spectacular views.

the rushing glacier water is the prettiest blue you'll ever see. eagles are everywhere be sure to stop at the pull outs and look for them. part of the drive can become rough on the dirt road but leads to some of the best hiking I've ever done. Reeds lake is what one local said Alaska in a nut shell. everything you need to see is on this hike.

Beautiful scenery, amazing views and deep in history with lots of great areas to hike.
There is a lot to explore at the mine.

Outstanding display of history, relecs, and information. well displayed, organized, preserved and informative.

If you’re taking a trip to south central Alaska, do yourself a service and make the trip to Hatcher Pass.

Always beautiful regardless of the weather. If you make it in the summertime take the trip over the Summit Lake and through to Willow.

If you have some time, stop at the Independence Mine and go exploring. Our Parks and Recreation have done a great job of preserving this historic area.

Hatcher Pass was my first mountaineering experience in Alaska. I truly loved the vivid green grass and all the little creeks. The sharp, cloud-covered mountains were extraordinary.
In my opinion, it’s a very safe place to hike. Even though there was a sign warning about bears in the area, I doubt anyone would actually encounter one. I didn’t have any bear spray with me and still felt safe. However, I do recommend carrying some — it helps you feel more confident.
There are plenty of different trails to choose from, so everyone can find something suitable — from easy routes for families with small children to more advanced hikes for experienced hikers.

We took the drive up from Anchorage and enjoyed every minute of the trip. Hatchers pass had some amazing views and the mine was really neat to walk through. I wish we could have kept going to Denali but we didn't have much time this trip and had to turn back. Definitely worth heading this way.

Hatcher Pass is a must do "road trip" when in Alaska. We drove through it later in the evening ~ beautiful! Saw a young bull moose.

Absolutely beautiful place! Can't wait to go back!
We went in July and there was still a little snow in small patches but there was also flowers blooming.

I had an afternoon to kill so on the recommendation of locals I drove up to Hatcher Pass, it did not disappoint. Beautiful, rugged mountains with views of the valley below, lots of snow activities available to do up at the top in the winter.

This beautiful scenic drive was recommended to us by a local Alaskan, otherwise we would not have known about it! We drove entering the pass from North of Wasilla (she said "Look for the Expresso sign, that is where you turn!". The road is mostly unpaved but in good condition. We saw a momma moose and her baby right by the side of the road! The view of the mountains, bustling streams, and from summit lake at the top is not to be missed. Allow plenty of time, about 3 hours to drive the entire pass. The views are so vast that it is difficult to capture them on film.

when tourists come to alaska, they normally would go to kenai np to take the cruise and possibly hike a couple trails to see the glacier, take the bus tour in denali np and hope they can get a glimpse of the mckinley mt, but not that many people would take the drive to visit hatcher pass!
me and some friends rented a rv back in early sept of 13 and the views were just simply speechless. When i saw the mountain, river and the cloud at hatcher pass, i actually convinced myself that im in alaska!!!! and i have already been in alaska for 2 days. a pic speaks for a thousands words...

This diversion has some of the most amazing scenery we saw in AK. We drove it from near Willow and exited near Palmer (instead of going through Wasilla on the main road.) There are several miles of gravel (maybe 20 or so), but conditions are not too bad. The pass area itself is paved with more photo ops than you can count. We didn't spot wildlife, except for hoary marmots, but the real attraction for us that day was the scenery with mountains, rivers, streams, and lakes. The land around is largely privately owned and there are mining companies in the pass area itself. They do not detract from the beauty, which is by large pristine. Highly recommend.

So beautiful!!! This needs to be at the top of your bucket list!! So many different things to see here - every turn feels like you’re in a different place!

This is an incredible place that you can't pass up while in the area. I even managed to get some pics of the Northern Lights from a pullout, there. While in the general area, drive to the end of the Knik River Road (near Butte) for some more beautiful scenery.

We lived 45min away from Hatcher Pass for 16 Years and it still holds some of our family's best memories.
There is so much to do in this one small gorgeous area and the views are fabulous. It is an uncrowded, serene jewel of a place in a state full of beauty.
Upon entering the Hatcher pass area you pass over the little Su river, which is really a small swift steam at this point. Great area for picnics but be careful with small children near the creek as it runs very fast and cold year round.
You are in a valley with lovely mountains all around. There is a small old Alaska lodge just before you climb the 3000 ft hill. The lodge is fun for a quick bite or drink. There is also a small lodge with refreshments near the top with wonderful views.
The activities here are near endless. Long and short hiking trails for all ages, gold panning, berry picking late summer and perfect mountain climbs for all age levels going from easy to strenuous. Do use caution is this area as rocks are often slick when wet and I once watched a huge brown bear stalk my husband and young children near the top of a climb. I was at the bottom injured and attempting to read when I glanced up to check their progress and had no way of telling them!! Too frightening!
Independence mine is very interesting to explore and a photographers dream. Many of the old buildings still stand and last time I was there one was used as a visitors center that was packed full of information about the area and it's past.
After exploring the mine area follow the curving mountain road to the summit and you will be rewarded with fantastic views, the gorgeous emerald green Summit lake and possibly the opportunity to watch hand-gliders launching one after another.
Fall is my favorite time of year to visit, the weather is brisk and although Alaska does not have many deciduous trees, the ground brush colors are many and the yellow birch and cottonwood a beautiful mix with the evergreens.
Winter is also a great for snowshoeing, snow machining cross country skiing and sledding. Do be careful in all of these and check your terrain well before venturing off or sending your child soaring down a hill.
I did hesitate to even share this area as it is so off the beaten path and we want it to remain a jewel, but some places are just too good to keep.

I attempted to drive up to Hatchers Pass but only was able to make it to the Hatchers Pass Lodge and then the gate was closed. Very scenic drive non the less with plenty of spots to pull over.

Talk about great views. You drive for a bit out of anchorage, but worth the drive. You get nice views on your way up the mountains. Lots of spots to stop by for pictures but we went straight to the top. To Hatcher Pass. Hike is not too hard. You can hike as far as you want and you well get nice views at any point. Looks scary, and is a bit narrow at times, so just be careful with kids. Nice easy to get to spots by the lake that is lower than the hike. Free parking, but not too much of it. Take snacks with you for a nice picnic or something.

Wonderful drive through Hatcher Pass on our last full day in Alaska. Very scenic but long rough dirt road from Willow to Palmer. This is gold country where you see signs saying "keep out - active claims". They are still finding gold in "them thar hills". Independence Gold Mine is a must see stopover on your drive through the pass. Some buildings have been repaired but many structures in decapitated state, Great tour. Fun visit.

Hatcher Pass at 3000 ft above sea level has stunning views and is great for hiking and berry picking in summer.
It's approximately 50mikes and connects the Parks highway with the Glenn highway. It is also home to the historic Independence gold mine of 1906

We hiked the Hatcher Pass/ Reed Lakes Trail, and let me say, for someone who is not used to hiking this was moderate to difficult hike at times. The first two miles are well paved and easy hike. Later the trail move into a more rugged trail. There is several boulder fields and that's why this hike becomes more tricky. Some boulder fields are large, wet and slippery, and some have large cracks in between. It is not difficult to hike this trail BUT you have to pay attention and think about your next move. Use caution. Be careful. I was hiking with my mom and at that time she was 63 and she made it but she was sore the next day. However, despite all of this, this was one of the best hikes I did. The scenery is AMAZING! And the lower and upper lakes are simply beautiful!

Beautiful drive, rain or sun. This is a very scenic drive, plan in a couple of hours. I did it in the rain and it was still beautiful. Don't forget to walk around at Independence Mine when you reach it. It is a nice walk with lots of historical significance.

It was a amazing drive when we drove into hatchers pass, we saw the glaciers from glaciers view and the view all the mountain in panoramic view. We did a small hike the mine and gold cord lake. We touched some snow around there too!!! When we headed in it was quite cold around 40s in the independence mine. When we toke the road out to willow, we stopped at summit lake. It was around 5 degrees colder there and raining pretty bad. But we hiked up a trail up a mountain. And, it kept getting cooler and cooler. When we reached the 2 small lakes the top of the mountain, we saw two small lakes which were absolutely magnificent. We hiked further up to some big snow patches and the beauty of the glaciers. But I noticed the rain started to mix with snow and snow hitting the ground. When we hit the very top, it was 80% snowing and 20% raining. It was too cold continue so we headed back. I highly recommend Hatchers Pass, and I do recommend 4 wheel drive but the roads and not the bad at all. Check out hatchers pass for Snow and breathtaking views!

Along the drive through Hatcher Pass there are vistas, water pools, lingering snow 'ponds', mountain views, open sky and you. This roadway is truly a National Treasure! We traveled on a partially cloudy day this past week, and it was still gorgeous and awe inspiring. I highly recommend all wheel drive, and a picnic.
Take a day to travel all or just miles in and out from either side of this road that is gravel and partially paved. Stop along any part of the road. The entire road follows from Wasilla to Willow (or visa versa), but we start in Wasilla where our friends live.
Tip: check with locals before you set out, sometimes part of the road is closed off due to slides or seasonal wash out. Any hike along the route is a bonus. Don't count on GPS unless you have the Alaska upgrade.

This is a great escape right outside of Palmer. There are tons of winter activities as well as summer. The view is absolutely breathtaking. It's a great place for a relaxing drive or wild adventures. There are several hiking trails, a pioneer mining town (only in the summer), skiing, and just about anything else you could think of.

Great views. Moderate hike in some places. Avoid walking on dirt paths if it's wet. The mud is extremely slick. With clear sky's your can see some of the mountain tops in the area. Park down below the red cabins and it's free otherwise you have to pay $5 to park in the lot.

Check this place out when in the Matsu valley of Alaska.Easy drive from the Wasilla and Palmer area. You will follow a picturous stream as you work your up towards the pass.There are several trail heads here that offer excellent challenges for serious hikers. Beautiful rock formations and a chance to get up into some pristine alpine areas.Ice cold streams and sometimes even pockets of snow.While there take a tour of the Independence gold mine site. Very cool and informative.For those who desire a true Alaska driving experience take the dirt road up over the Hatcher Pass. Don’t be in a hurry though. This road offers great views and a few spots that are almost scary! Got good brakes? You’ll need them! A totally rewarding trip. You’ll see some old gold mines and wreckage along some of the ridges. I highly recommend this tiny piece of Alaska. Lots of unique scenery here. Happy adventures!

We drove out about 20 miles from Palmer to see this gold mine from the past. Very interesting history of this 1930s mining village. Many of the buildings are in various levels of decay, yet the State is maintains others to how they looked in the day. It was raining the day we were there, so we did not walk around all the grounds- would love to have its in a beautiful area. Many trails in the area.

It's a beautiful drive up to Hatcher Pass with places to stop and enjoy the views of the mountains and streams. We went early on a rainy Sunday in late June and there was no traffic. We saw a moose with 2 babies. We may have arrived too early because Independence Mine wasn't open (Wed-Sun gate opens 9am, facility at 10am). Construction was still underway on the gravel part of the road that goes through to Willow/Parks Highway and that wasn't open either. We enjoyed the majestic mountains and peaceful solitude. Try to go on a clear day for best views.

I like views, history and a picnic - so this was the place to take my houseguest. The state park service now oversees the area and so we went on the tour (about 45 minutes) and learned the history of the mining while touring the bunkhouses, etc. Then it was a hike around the area where we took in the most beautiful and expansive views down into the valley. Hikes can be short or long,- your choice. It is July (bring the sunscreen, there are no trees to sit under) and it was great weather, so I imagine in cloudy or rainy weather you will wish for a coat and hat. Bring the camera and a picnic and enjoy the view. The Park staff said it closes buildings after Labor Day.

Wow, what a great place! Views were so awesome! We travelled from Anchorage to Hatcher Pass. Take the Glenn Hwy north to mile marker 49.5 and follow signs for Independence Mine State Park -- about 19 miles on a paved road. The ride itself is just gorgeous. We took a tour of the mine which was well worth it since it is the only way you get to see the inside of the buildings. And the tour is really interesting. Only $6 per person. Afterwards we drove on the dirt road toward Willow which takes you through the Hatcher Pass area --- travelled it for about half hour and then turned around. It was just so, so beautiful! Two things to keep in mind -- make sure weather/visibility is decent and make sure the park is open since it closes certain days and times of year.

Maybe we just didn't see the right parts of this area. Once you get up to the top where the parking lot is you don't have especially breathtaking views, much of it is blocked by the surrounding mountains. It's a pretty Barren area. We did the short hike up to the lake. It's a pretty Lake but nothing spectacular, maybe just because so much of Alaska was breathtaking, this felt underwhelming.

My husband and I heard this was a nice drive but wasn't told how gorgeous it was Mountains with snow lovely winding road rushing babbling creek flowing over huge rocks and and elevation of 3080 feet. The Lodge and Gold mine was not open to cars but you could walk to it. Well worth a visit. Opens for traffic June.

Hatcher Pass offers so much! There are easy hikes, difficult hikes and just sit on your tush and take in the beauty. You could go every day and see a different view. You could go 2-3 times in the same day and the same view will be different. The mine ruins are very interesting to walk around and imaging what it was like "back in the day". The Hatcher Pass area, mountains, rivers and the mine ruins lend themselves to some of the best photography opportunities.

If you have the time, head up the Pass to indulge in hiking of all levels.

Mountain streams and lakes are aplenty. Be sure to wear hiking boots and appropriate attire. Be ware that the weather can change very quickly so being prepared is key.

If you park at any of the designated areas, there is a $5 fee for doing so. Park Rangers are in abundance so best not to skip the fees.

Archangel Valley is best during the summer time and having an SUV or truck is ideal for that goat trail.

Independence Mine is at the top of the road. Be prepared to walk in to reach it though.

Summit Lake is only accessible during the summer months when the Pass and the road is open.

If you want to take the drive all the way through, plan to spend a few hours making the trip.

I love the drive to Hatcher Pass almost as much as I enjoy hiking the trails and visiting the mine.

There are a plethora of trails in the ArchAngel area (Reed Lakes is incredible, and a 'must do' trail). April Bowl, Summit Lake, Gold Mint Trail, Independence Mine, and Gold Chord lake are a few of the highlights of this special area.

You can head up to Summit Lake and watch the paragliders, and just hang out all day. Such a fun area. If you're entertaining visitors from out of town, this is a great place to spend the day- or even a full weekend as there are cabins to rent near Independence mine and plenty of places to camp. Don't forget to bring your camera!

We did the Reed Lakes Hike in Hatcher Pass. I would rate it as a strong moderate. The first portion of the trail is flat and easy - it then moves more upward and rugged. At maybe 2-2.5 miles in, the boulder scrambling starts. If you have a large pack, the boulders will be harder to cross. I just got on my butt several times to be safe. It was doable. If you have a small dog, it might not work. We saw several larger dogs making the trek - but they would have to be confident in their abilities. The glacier lakes are just one good aspect of the hike - the remainder of the hike is just as enjoyable and beautiful. I really liked it as a good all-around hike; you should be in good condition. And on a sunny day in September, it was crowded and there is a limited parking lot (you can park along side the road...you just then have to hike to the trailhead...start early!).

The turnoff on the highway was not marked in September 2018. We passed it. If you hit the historical mine, you have gone too far. Also, there is no pit-toilet at the trail head, but there was a port-a-potty when you turned onto the gravel road. No water available. Come prepared.

It never occurred to me how much my sons would love Hatcher Pass -- and how much more I would love Hatchers after experiencing it with my sons.
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When I lived in Alaska, Hatchers was a part of my teen life---I even have a picture of my date and I in our Prom 'finery' goofing off next to the cliff-side and posing near a graffiti boulder (which has since been removed to widen the road). As much as I loved the hikes--varying in degree from easy to exciting--and the great views, I love it even more now that I've seen Hatcher's through my children's eyes.
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My sons and I live in Miami, so snow is a novelty. We return to Alaska every other year, and there has always been summer snow to be found near Summit Lake. . . So, every time we return, their first request is to go to Hatchers and find the snow. We spend hours there.
Yesterday, my kids and I hiked and played for 6 nonstop hours. No electronics (fyi, cellular reception is spotty); views on views; helicopters flying below us; paragliders flying next to us; smooshed and slightly soggy sandwiches from the backpack (which the boys declared the best sandwiches they had ever eaten); lots of fresh air; and, of course, Summer Snow.

Highly recommend hiking to the very peak.
Take the dirt road off the the left before you get to Independence Mine.
It's steep and can get dusty. Don't lose sight of or veer too much off the road -- your car will either get stuck in the deep ditch or you could end up down a steep pitch.
Once you reach the parking areas, hike upward. Keep hiking until you reach the very top. It's amazing.

After having sledged "The Mile" in February 2017, I wanted to return to Hatcher Pass to see it in the summer. Honestly I expected to see rocks and eventually land slides. But what I've gotten was an overwhelming sea of greenery covering the scarps of those majestic mountains!
As most of the places in Alaska, also the Hatcher Pass has different faces depending on the season. The contours and the overwhelming height of the mountains, the fault that goes through its base and the Little Susitna River are the only constants. But to call these constants is also to accept the fact that what you see has the same name it had months or years ago, but still, it's totally new to your eyes. The river, the detailed relief of the mountains, the whole scenario changes . The focus of the observer may bee totally: from the all covering white to the all covering green. And some grays and browns peeping in between.
If you have a chance, don't miss it. It is big enough to offer you a sportive challenge independent of the time of year. And a plate full of three-stars-food for your eyes and your soul!

We were pleasantly surprised by this beautiful gem and spent an entire day here. Unbelievable views and so much history about the Independence Gold Mine. Be sure to hike to Summit Lake; the hike is challenging, but not too strenuous and the views make the climb well worth it.

There is a reason why people to come to Alaska - and its definitely not to shop... The views during the drive from Anchorage to Hatcher Pass are just... spectacular... you can pull over on side of the road at numerous stops and take in the silence and the fresh air... We don't get so much fresh air here in Toronto - so for me this air was almost intoxicating... We were hoping to hike to the mine - but there was too much snow and we didnt wear proper footwear... But we enjoyed a nice coffee at the cafe, sat by the windows and once more enjoyed the beautiful mountains...

We were introduced to Hatcher Pass by our professional photographer friend, Hanna with Relic Photographic. She took our photos here one night and we returned the next day to tour the trails. We hoped to see some bear, moose, larger mammals. Instead, we were enthralled by the scenic views. Though we were visiting during tourist season, our weekday visit wasn't terribly crowded and we were easily able to safety stop for photographic opportunities. Great hidden treasure, Hatcher Pass.

Be safe from the snow and bring a truck or don't drive up the road all the way. They usually block it off but this time they didn't and I got stuck in a rental Yaris. Once the road turns to gravel two way traffic is difficult. Fortunately I was saved my 3 amazing men. There is no cell service up there but it's amazing. Bring your cameras and binoculars. There's also a hiking trail at the bottom. Folks it spectacular!

Pretty drive to take from Anchorage to Hatchers Pass State Park. Plenty of trails to explore along with the buildings that were a gold mining site. We took a very pretty trail up to a lovely lake and also passed by an authentic gold miners cabin, circa 1930.

Remember Hatcher Pass road, to the Independence mine and to Willow is not open for the summer until July 4th that's every year..nor is Archangel Road. But until that time you can hike Gold Mint Trail and Fish hook Trail. Snow machine trails are right side of the main road and downhill and cross country skiing and also snowboarding are enjoyed in this beautiful part of Alaska. There is gold panning allowed in a designated area.

We went early July and the pass was just open for two weeks; so the road was still good, unpaved, but better then in some neighborhoods in Houston - Texas :-)
Great views, windy, and nice experience to cross between the mountains.

Hiked the Gold Cord Trail this summer. A beautiful, fairly easy hike up to a crystal clear lake. Easy for kids, and also a small historical site as you can view an old miner's cabin on the way up. Stunning views down the valley as you hike up to the lake.

Was a foggy day there, but that added to the experience. Gave a slight ghostly feel to exploring the old mine.

Hatcher Pass was recommended to us as an alternative to driving the Wasilla route on the way to Denali. We were told that it was very scenic, which it is, and only 45 minutes extra drive. The second part might have been true if you had a vehicle equipped for off-road use and didn't mind a bouncy ride. We had a Hyundai Accent and the driving was not fun. The extra time amounted to about 2 hours. The first part is paved highway with scenic pull-offs. The second 3/4 or so starts in a state park (no rangers manning the station) and is all gravel road ladened with potholes. I had to slow down to 5 MPH at some points to keep from destroying the car (fortunately rented but didn't want to pay for damages.) We kept wondering if we should just turn back or if we should keep going or if we were going to get robbed somewhere. When we got close to Willow, there was road construction where they had us stopped for 15 minutes at time. We didn't see any wildlife on the gravel part -- just fish camps and scenic mountain views.
Other people might be talking about the first 15 minutes of the gravel part where there is a parking area and hiking trails. This is fine and without the potholes, but I don't recommend it as an alternative to driving through Wasilla.

Hatcher pass is over 60 miles. But we only went to the old gold mine. You can pay for a tour company to drive you or drive your self on very good roads.

This place is well worth the drive out. There are more miles to hike than one can do in an entire week. Independence Mine offers a great deal of local history that you can feel like you are a part of. For just the price of $5 per day for parking this is a must visit.

Hatcher Pass is our favorite spot in Alaska. We live in Alaska & love camping in the summer. We have traveled all over the state & this is our favorite place- seasonally while it's open :) If you are visiting- do the entire drive- it's breathtaking! Many campgrounds to choose from- we have camped in almost all of them- also- the cleanest porta potties I have ever been in. We love the Government Peak campground & Fishhook Lot campground the best. Bring a picnic because the drive is LOOONG & no places to stop & buy anything. Hiking trails galore- so much beauty in one place is just amazing. I'm a photographer & this place never fails to give me awe-inspiring photos!

Worthy the ride. excellent views all the way from Palmer, the river is beautiful an the views from the Pass are never to be forgotten. The unpaved road was in great conditions.

We drove to Hatcher Pass from Anchorage on a summer day, since we didn't have any scheduled activities that day. It was a beautiful drive. Little Susitna River was beautiful, with turn-outs where you can park and go down to the big boulders in the river. The gravel road leading up to the pass was very navigable and lead to some great views.

Lots of short trails leading up to the hills for kids and adults to enjoy and get 360 degree views from, and Summit lake was beautiful as well.

Wasilla, Palmer are close by, so I would recommend packing a picnic lunch before you drive up there.

So beautiful, absolutely amazing. We drove up to Independence Mine and continued to Hatcher Pass. The gravel road was in good condition and there were even little Chevy Aveo's driving on the road. The scenery was great and there were a lot of trails all over the place. I wish we would have had more time to go hiking instead of just driving through.

Stop by Little Susitna River ( Nice place to stop and hike...or just walk around.) on the way up to Hatcher Pass. Interesting little museum of the Independence Mine....lots of history.
Saw people picking berries, hiking and paragliding.

Lousy weather day when we decided to "just do it" anyway. However, colors were turning for fall, and the clouds, though solid, were at least constantly lifting and snaking around different heights and valleys and crests, so that you could catch glimpses of scenic wonder. It was enough to satisfy my curiosity about why everyone said it was worth going to the pass.
NOTE: You really should heed advice and come in from the east side, via Palmer or the Glenn Highway side. We tried to do it on a bright sunny day, from the west, when we were driving from Anchorage to Talkeetna. First, there was zero scenery along the paved road, and it was very flat. When we started rising and seeing a couple of foothills, suddenly the road became unpacked, and it didn't look like we were anywhere close to getting to Hatcher Pass. Being in a rental car made the decision easy; we turned around.
Thus we tried again later, from the east, and found the whole journey really pretty, complete with a nice river along the road, and some interesting info. About the fault underlying that area. We loved the fireweed, in it's last stages of fall color - fire red. (This was 1st week of Sept.), and when we got to the end of paved road this time, you could see the "Top" you were headed for. Althugh small campers braved the drive, I would NOT recommend it at all. We weren't sure our rental car Malibu was going to make it up the steep traveled road at one point. Tires were just spinning. And the road, with 2-way traffic, isn't all that wide, with pretty distinct drop-offs on many parts. Needless to say, we were thankful there was a nice pull-out with parking at the top. Clouds cooperated and you could take an easy walk out on a bluff that gave a fantastic view west. Switchback roads, a tarn, a river, and vast mountains before us. It was worth all the trouble.
For those who like to hike, there was a fairly easy, but rising switchback trail many folks were taking up a mountain beside the road. It's above tree line there obviously, so views would be wonderful in good weather.
JUST GO!

Defintely the most Alaskan thing we did during our week in the Land of the Midnight Sun.

Suggested by a patron at the restaurant where we ate lunch.

We did the entire loop from Wasilla to the summit & then on to Willow then return to Wasilla.

Stunning scenery. Decent road all the way - even the gravel parts.

While visiting Wasilla we spent the day exploring the Hatcher Pass area- hiking and berry picking. We stopped by this lodge to take in "old Alaska" for an hour.
It's scenic and beautiful! It's QUAINT, CHARMING and a perfect stop for a something warm or something with spirit!
I LOVED this place and highly recommend!

My daughter and i had a wonderful time enjoying the beautiful mountains while blue berry picking. The drive is smooth and not crowded. We went on a Sunday late afternoon and saw enough people berry picking, so decided to give it a try.

This area is breathtaking, fast-moving streams, huge vistas, lakes and creeks. Take this over to Willow, a lot of 'unimproved road, but easily navigated and worth the time.

We visited on a June day to find the pass road closed near where the paved road ends. Archangel Road was also closed, which was the trail we had chosen to hike. So, we adapted and had a beautiful day climbing from Fishhook Trailhead, and the hiked a nice easy path from the lower Gold Mint Trailhead. The views were fantastic all day long, and the Little Susitna was running with amazing power... and crystal clear blue waters!!! The trails from the Fishhook Trailhead climb up and up and up!! Not technical climbing... but steep and not for the faint-hearted. Great workout with outstanding views the whole way! The Gold Mint Trail is a very gentle trail, with lots of water crossings on this day. Loved hearing the river roar along the trail! We didn't finish this trail... but will go back and complete it soon!! $5 parking fee for the day. Highly recommended!!

We wanted to take the scenic route between Palmer and Denali. We couldn't make it all the way through because the road was closed just past Independence Mine. Such a beautiful drive! Well worth the extra time.

My second visit and even though it was rainy and a bit foggy it was still worth the trip. Independence Mine is quite an historical place to see there too.

Great scenery. Great drive. Take the detour. We did it in a mini-van and had zero problems. The road is in good condition.

Independence mine was much more than expected. Lots of old mine buildings and information. Summit lake is beautiful. Still snow in July. Great photo opportunities and hiking opportunities.

Husband and I were babysitting the grandkids so we decided to take them to Hatchers Pass and check out Independence Mine. It was an awesome decision! Not only for historical purposes but fresh air and lots of walking makes for tired children. We were in our RV which gets a little hairy on the road from Palmer to Willow but the views were fantastic. The road was very busy due to berry picking season and people were everywhere including the paragliders on the peaks of the mountain tops. This is definitely a "Must Do" whether you live here or are just visiting. We will keep this place on our radar if we host any out-of-state family during the summer. The road through the valley closes in the winter time so check it out in the summer time. You will not be disappointed.

We drove up after visiting the Independence Mine, and the views are beautiful! There are many places to stop, take in the views, or hike. This area has a lot to offer, and it is definitely worth a stop.

Just make the drive . . . I was lucky enough to go on a spectacular bluebird day. Well worth driving "out of your way" The Independence mine is a great historical reconstruction. Road is good from Willow, no problem.

The road up to the hotel was very scenic and had a nice river next to it most of the way, it is curvy some but a nice drive. The road past the hotel was still closed due to snow. The mine road was also still closed due to snow, but one can walk to it if you wanted too. There is a $5 fee to park. The view was great. We had never been there but will go again sometime.

We stopped here on our way up to Denali and are so glad that we did. The views were just amazing. We didn't have time to hike up to the mine and explore, but what a way to have started our Alaskan vacation. Highly recommended.

Evidently this mountain pass is only open a couple of months a year starting July time frame. It is an extremely interesting drive - narrow roads with lots of switchbacks. The good news is there are several places to pull over and enjoy the view. We with someone with limited mobility so it was perfect way for them to experience the mountains.

I wonder why so many Alaska itineraries online, don’t mention Hatcher pass. I am so glad I read trip advisor reviews and we made a trip to Hatcher pass. Amazing landscape, easy/moderate hike, and the views of lakes on top are simply serene,

I grew up hiking and sledding here. It was always a favorite place of my family. Every time I go back to visit, I spend as much time as possible at the Pass. Whatever the time of year, it's just a beautiful place to be. Hiking in the Summer is great because a lot of the trails are up out of the tree line, so you're not fighting brush the whole time; and the views from higher up are amazing! Winter is a blast as well...cross-country skiing and sledding. Definitely hang out if you're in the area.

Spent time on a great Fall hike in the fog and light rain- stopped afterwards at lodge for homemade soup- the views are Brest taking-

Hatcher Pass is located just a little outside of Palmer, AK, which is 45 minutes north of Anchorage. It's the only road I saw that really drives you up into the mountains. Most Alaskan roads tend to stay down in valleys, but this will actually take you up high into the mountains. There are tons of great hiking trails where you can pick wild blueberries and explore. There's also an old mine called Independence Mine. If you take Archangel Road, there's a great hike off of there that's more off the beaten path.

Wow what a great hike. From the parking lot you never know how high up you're going to be going. But when you get up to the bowl you can continue on the ridge trail to the top of a couple of peaks. Very beautiful views all over!

We had read so much about the Hatcher Pass that we decided to ignore our rental car warning and drive the dirt road.

Up until Independence Mine Company -- itself worth a visit -- the road is paved. The area around Hatcher Pass is gorgeous, including Summit Lake which which is especially pretty in fall colors.

Incredible views and amazing scenery. Loved the full drive over Hatcher Pass. Would definitely recommend! Not a short trip, especially if you are doing the full loop from Palmer/Wasilla, over to Willow and back. Plan on stopping a lot in Aug or Sept and picking blueberries!!

Beautiful drive up the pass and a possibility to visit independence mine. Nice hiking tracks and sceneries. A nice daytrip.

Great hike with beautiful views, ice cold rivers and a long, arduous rock scramble to boot! But it is all so worth it in the end!!

May, great time to visit. Rushing water beside the road, people panning for gold. Fantastic views on the drive up to the pass, not yet open. We could see the historic mine but didn't have boots to walk in snow. Temperature unbelievably warm, snowboarders in swim trunks! Young children on toboggans.

We stopped here on our way to Independence Mine. We saw it more as a photo op as we didn't have a chance to hike around. On a clear day the views would be spectacular.

My husband & I went here today. It was sunny and cool. Fall is in the air. However, like any place, clouds blew in. Still nice, because we dressed accordingly. As you can see, winter is in the air and land, too.

Simply beautiful. Road from Talkeetna was a bit scary, even with an SUV. Take the road from Wasilla if it's an option for you.

Hatcher Pass is accessed from the towns of Wasilla or Palmer where the road winds through the Mat-Su valley, and at times running along side the Little Susitna River.
As our visit was in May, the road through Hatcher Pass was closed and only accessible as far as the car park for the Independence Mine, which was also closed for the season. We were able to walk along the snow cleared road and get a closer look at the mine buildings, some of which were buried deep in snow. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had a 360 degree view of snow-capped mountains. We were live we don't see a lot of snow, so for us this was truly a winter wonderland.

Anyway you look everything is beautiful. The green vegetation is all different, showing designs all over. Saw moose ,marmots and crows. Couldn't hike this time do to ankle injury but still a great drive.

Hatcher Pass is worth a visit! Beautiful green hills, trails, a lake.. We visited on a cloudy/rainy day so i'm sure it's even more beautiful on a clear day. Because it was raining we couldn't hike as much as we were planning, but we still enjoyed our visit. Recommended!
(There are warnings everywhere that this is a gravel road and some rental companies won't allow you to drive their vehicle on it. We had a Highlander, and this road was not restricted on our contract, but I also wanted to say the road is not bad. Sure, it's not paved, but it's not rough).

I am so glad I went to this area near Anchorage/Wasilla because the scenery is incredibly beautiful. We hiked the April Bowl Trail and enjoyed every minute of our hike. It was neither too challenging nor too easy and the views and scenery were unbelievable with the glacier fed ponds.

Earlier this week on an unusually sunny fall day in Alaska, I took my 2 year old, going on 12 years old grandson up to Hatcher Pass. We started out at the Goldmine Trail Head were the sun was just coming up over the mountains and the temp was a balmy 28. We hike down to the Little Susitna River to look for gold as Joe had asked to do.
Being that it was a little chilly and he decided his legs couldn't work we made our way back to the truck and went on down to the river crossover at the entrance to the pass to throw stones into the Little Su which was much warmer.
All and all a beautiful once in a life time adventure with good company and wonderful scenery.

God was showing off when He made this place! This time of year is the best time to go. On a clear, or even a semi-clear day, this place is breathless! The view from the mountains, the streams, and the green areas are wonderful!

In April, this was totally snow covered. DO NOT FORGET YOUR CAMERA. Made for breathtaking ride up. Sky was perfectly blue. We were surprised when we arrived at the parking lot at the top. It was packed. There were times a families tailgating! Some we even had picnics going in the snow itself while the kids started down the mountain. The snow was piled about 12' deep, and it was funny walking thru a 10' cutout to the bathrooms. There were so many activities going on. There were skiers, sledders, tourists, viewers, and many who hiked over to the old mine buildings.

Plan to spend a lot of time. It hugs at your heart strings and you truly will feel as though you went to heaven! Passed lots of snow mobiles on the way up as well. It's as if you are in a massive "bowl" of which side is open for you to see the Palmer-Wasilla area. So don't let the time of year have you sitting home, it is well worth the drive up and at least a half day visit just to enjoy the outdoors. Interestingly, no wind.

When driving up the mountains, there are small pullovers with photo spots. Also, we spent some time watching a gentleman mining gold in a running creek.

About a one hour ride from Anchorage Alaska. Must see, off the beaten path gem.

Hatcher Pass is very doable and well worth the time and effort to drive there.

The old mine buildings are still there and there are explanatory signs with easily visible imagery of the days of old. Be sure to stop in the information building and see where the foreman and his wife and family lived. A true glimpse into the past. Also, the restrooms there are extremely clean.

Plenty of hiking, pan for gold (no charge for the pans) and just enjoy nature at it's best and possibly be surprised with para gliders sailing above.
You can enter the pass either through Willow or the Palmer side. Drive all the way across the pass or turn around and retrace your route.

Be sure to stop at the bookstore, where all the profits go back directly into the restoration.

Wonderful views at the top of Hatcher’s Pass. I expected the road to be WAYYYY worse than it actually was. We went in from the side that Independence Mine is on and it is a quick drive up to the summit. We also continued on and did the whole drive all the way through. Next time I probably would only drive to the summit, since we’ve done the entirety of the drive already, but it’s all beautiful!

We took an impromptu day trip to Hatcher Pass in a drizzly day. This was late August after a week of rain and the alpine tundra was spectacular. Blueberries, easy trails, abandoned mines and multiple waterfalls. Truly a beautiful place and the drive is relatively easy. (No RVs or trailers though)

We only had one day in Anchorage before heading to our cruise ship in Seward. Our waitress recommended Hatcher Pass and we are so glad we went! It was about an hour and a half drive up through Wasilla and through the mountains. From the top there were a few different hiking trails you could take to see even more mountains and even a glacier in the distance. My favorite part was Summit Lake. The water was a beautiful aqua blue because of the glacier silt reflecting through. This trip was one of my favorite parts of our Alaskan vacation.

My wife and I visited Hatcher Pass in May 2016 during our escorted ‘Natural Wonders of Alaska’ tour with Titan Travel. We were en route from Wasilla via Anchorage to Seward following our 1 night stay on a room only basis at the Grand View Inn and Suites, Wasilla. Our motor coach travelled along the Parks Highway until we reached the junction with Wasilla Fishhook Road which would take us up to Hatcher Pass. Stricker, our very competent and expereinced driver, had to use all his skills to navigate our motor coach along such a winding road and especially when other vehicles approached us from the opposite direction! We snaked our way past the commanding peaks of the Talkeetna Mountains such as Bald Mountain Ridge, Bullion and Skyscraper, passing creeks such as Shorley, Craigie and Upper Willow and the beautiful Summit Lake.

We also passed some of the historical mines such as Lucky Shot and War Baby which have been an important part of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley economy for the past century. One of the more famous mines is the Independence Gold Mine further up Hatcher Pass and now the centre piece of the Independence Mine State Historical Park. The excellent information panels near the parking area where our motor coach parked during our short visit explained more about Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine State Historical Park. This 271 acre park was established in 1984 to preserve the abandoned buildings as well as the striking landscape surrounding the abandoned mine. There are apparently the remains of 16 buildings within the park, built during the 1930s by the Alaska-Pacific Mining Company, The mine was one of the leading hard rock gold mines in Alaska in its heyday but the Second World War took it's toll on the mine and it finally closed in 1951. I only had time to enjoy the beauty of this bowl-shaped valley and to walk a short section of the road closed to vehicles due to deep snow and ice. I saw a large snow plough further up the closed road section working hard to clear the snow and ice so that the road could be reopened to vehicles. Hatcher Pass is also apparently an improtant refuge for wildlife - I was entertained by a very playful Arctic ground squirrel which appeared from behind some rocks to feed, ignoring the presence of our tour group and the clicking of our cameras! Hatcher Pass is a stunning place and has so much to offer the visitor. It deserves a much longer visit than I had to really explore this wonderful part of the Talkeetna Mountains and the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

We came across Hatcher Pass from a Trip Advisor Review and it was well worth the drive, We even came upon a very large moose and took amazing pictures on the most beautiful river in Alaska! At the top, we hiked to the top of the mountain to get snow ...IN JUNE!!!

Very nice drive with lots of beautiful country, plenty of scenic pullouts or trails if thats your choice.

My niece and I were told about Hatcher Pass by a shopkeeper in Palmer. We decided to take a picnic lunch and take the scenic drive to the pass. It was a sunny day and we ate our lunch sitting in from of our car gazing out at the scenery which was gorgeous with fall colors. There are no picnic tables where the paved road ends and the gravel road to Willow starts although there are picnic tables along the way. After lunch we walked about one mile on the paved road to Independence Mine Historical Park. Since we were there the second week of September the road might be open during the summer months. If you have the time I would highly recommend this, do note that if you have a rental car don't attempt the gravel road drive to Willow.

Hatchers Pass is a must if you are visiting Alaska. Great place to go for a day hike or to just take in the majestic mountains.

Although our visit was in January, we enjoyed spring conditions as Alaska was wrapped in a warm weather spell. The cross country trails are beautiful and well grromed and set in a serene landscape of immaculate snow and awe inspiring views. It was Friday and we had the mountain to ourselves. We had a quick stop at the lodge cabin where food is served to the lodge guests. It is a very rustic wooden shack with a gorgeous view. I truly recommend this place to enjoy the Alaskan wilderness in an authentic way.

The road follows the Little Susitna River up the river valley, with beautiful views around every curve. There are many hiking tails along the route and good access to the river. We saw several people gold panning along the river's edge on public lands. As we neared the historic mine site, signs recommended 4 wheel drive vehicles only, so we turned the RV around and never made it to the top.

There’s lots of beautiful views going up the pass. Stop at the river get some blueberries and drive into a wonderful scenery.

Although a few years back ,we drover over Hatchers Pass in early July. Lovely scenery, vast open valleys, babbling brooks a few wild flowers. Reached the top at Summit Lake
What a pretty place that was. I wouldn't call it a lake though, to me it was more like a pond, but a lovely pond surrounded by various boulders and mountains, and little snow in spots as well.
When we saw it the pond was a pretty blue. Very picturesque .
Although there was the Independent mine a state historical sight, we did not stop there, so I cannot judge that. Perhaps it was closed, I just don't remember. Some of the road paved, some graveled, yet we did not find that difficult.

We drove up to find the gate locked! But we hiked up the clear plowed road watching the creatures hiding in the snow(gofers?) the buildings werent open. The view was beautiful anyway.a Donation box is there ...to park ..take coats

Went out for a quick afternoon of cross country skiing short trip to Alaska. I was truly paradise! Snow everywhere and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. We did classic skiing on a very flat wide groomed road.

Beautiful! The Little Susitna river flowing over boulders along the road, craggy mountain tops looming over head and lush valleys to mosey through. Plus plenty of trails to hike and when you reach Summit lake you can watch the more bold at heart paragliding. An the really cool thing is that it is only a little more than a hour away from Anchorage!

It's only about an hour and half drive from anchorage and well worth it! We took our 2 year old daughter and our lab. They hiked and played in the lake at the top. Absolutely stunning views with wild blueberries to be picked everywhere!

We did the April bowl trail hike. This is a spectacular summit view. That said, it’s difficult (not moderate) hike. A lot of vertical gain and the latter half is alot of dirt/rock hills with loose gravel/rocks so very easy to slip. I would not bring children on this hike. We saw a mom have to catch here 6yr old that slipped and fell. A fall would hurt a lot and some falls would be very bad/injury/death.
I suggest you do this one, but be very careful. I would not do this after or during a rain as the narrow paths would be even my slippery.
VictorB

On the Hatcher Pass road to the Independence Mine we stop to see the natural beauty of the Little Susitna River at a pull out next to the bridge. The information here explains Hatcher Pass, the might of the Little Susitna River, Castle Mountain Fault, Climbing Through the Zones and how you can freeze to death if you are not wise. The views from here are not to be missed and worth every second. Farther up the road we stop because a group of people have spotted a black bear about ½ ways up the Mtn. near the center. We are using 10X50 binoculars and the bear is just a black spot that moves a little.
Government signs confirm black bears have been officially seen and are in the area looking for food. We notice that it appears we can see for miles and if there was anything larger than a bee on the hill sides we should be able to see it. The view to the south is a total WOW view of the valley below and the Matanuska River going from left to right headed for Cook Inlet.

This is our main reason driving up in Palmer, the Hatchers Pass. We were here in May some of the road is not open yet because of the snow. We're glad were able to drive up a little bit and visited the village mine.

The vistas during our visit was beautiful. The landscape were covered with snow higher up the mountain you can stop for viewing. A beautiful blue lake high in the mountains between the patches of snow.

Oh well because the road is closed to the mine, we have to leave our car at the parking and walked to the village. This could happen when you visit this place early in the year. The road is accessible by all kinds of vehicle, not all road opened yet but you can drive a little to the top not the highest top before it

If you only drive to the top, get out, and look around, then your trip will be worth it. But, there are great trails to hike with even better views or drive over the pass and make the whole trip from Palmer to Willow or vice versa for sensory overload.

This was our first experience in Alaska and loved the beautiful drive with the weather changing throughout. There was not a lot of traffic. At the top is an old mine but as we had seen many others recently we did not pay to go in. Unfortunately the road thru to Wasilla was still not open when we did it.

My husband and I arrived in Alaska for a Lions Club Forum at the end of September. After the forum we decided to extend our trip and through my research Hatcher Pass was on the top of the list. We rented a Nissan Versa and left Anchorage driving north to Palmer stopping at Eklutna Lake and Thunderbird Falls. After about 1 hour drive we arrived at Independence Mine which was closed for the season. It was a clear day of sunshine and we had no problems taking our little Versa on this unpaved road of Hatcher Pass. The patchwork of yellows, reds, and greens from the leaves changing colors with the surround of mountains was magnificent. Along the way we saw a wind glider gliding over a lake, a mine, and lots of 4 wheelers for it was the opening of moose season...needless to say we did not see any moose but a countryside of beauty. Well worth the drive!

Wonderful scenery up through the pass to the old Independence mine. A chance to step back in time. then the pleasure of coming back along the same road.

The Hatcher Pass was one of our favourite parts of our trip. The scenic drive was great with lots of places to stop for photos. The hiking trails were fantastic too - well maintained and very scenic. Highly recommended.

Our travel agent recommended we drive to Talkeetna by the Hatcher Pass, but didn't warn us what it is. It is by far the worst road I have ever driven on; it is barely a road at all. We were an hour late for our flight, but fortunately they were 90 minutes weather delayed.
It was a beautiful place; I just wish I had known that speeds were limited to 5 mph. I also wish I knew what Hatcher Pass the other reviewers were talilng about.

We stopped here on our way to Denali and it was a great place to walk around. Portions of the trail were closed to traffic due to a storm a week or so ago. We stayed not he main road, parked our car and walked up to the mine area. There was still snow around the mine and it was not opened yet but still a nice walk with beautiful views.

I live in Alaska over 20 years ago and have driven Hatcher Pass several times my daughter and I just visited there this week and decided to take another Drive as always the views are spectacular there's wildlife if you're into birds or flowers has plenty of that to see you as well but looking down over the Matanuska Valley from high up pictures just cannot do it justice this is something that you need to see yourself there was an avalanche clear on top so we weren't able to go over Hatcher Pass we were told that by July 4th 2016 they were hoping to have the road completely open you can come in from Whittier and Talkeetna way or you can come in from the Palmer way either way it's a beautiful drive even if you can't get over the top if you come in from Palmer there's always Independence mine just stopped at and check out as well

This is another road trip with beautiful scenery! There is an old gold mine near the summit. Summit Lake at the top is gorgeous. Great place for a day trip!! I have traveled Hatcher Pass during both the summer & fall season. The views during both seasons are lovely!!

We should have planned more time to be at Hatcher Pass, but we left it toward the end of our trip. Our kids (ages 10, 9, 6, and 1) loved it and did fine climbing on the trails by Independence Mine. (We carried the 1-year-old.) We packed a mini-lunch for a picnic and spent the afternoon lazily laying around, walking, and just enjoying the beauty. There is a parking fee.

The waters were pristine, the view beautiful..... The flora & fauna were amazing, and you know the touch of Creator was visited upon this area.....

This was an outstanding view of the mountains and scenery of Alaska. Much better than the trip to try to see Denali. Mountains were beautiful and the drive was breathtaking!

This is an Anchorage must-do!! This pass is exquisite. It runs from the town of Palmer to Park's Highway. If you are headed to Talkeetna/Denali from Anchorage, this is perfect for you to obtain some magnificent scenery along the way. Even if you are just staying in the Anchorage area, this is a short drive (40 min) away. I highly recommend this to all who travel to Alaska in the Anchorage area. You are missing out otherwise!!

Hatcher pass is a must drive, see and explore. A 25 minute drive to the foot of of this area with nice river/creeks along the way until most residential area has gone and then the hill and valley scenery take over. The drive to Hatcher pass lodge/Independence mine site has great places to stop and view the valley scenery, wildflowers and wildlife. Allow a minimum of 2 hours to explore this area. We had a car and I am not sure if there is tours or public transport to this area but if you can go and experience the mountain valley and Hatcher's pass.

Last minute detour and what a treat it was to see this BEAUTIFUL pass. Parts of it reminded me of the Scottish Highlands!

Apparently late October isn't the right time to tour in Alaska. Every attraction that we attempted to visit north of Anchorage was closed, including Hatcher Pass. Independence Mine and the pass were recommended seeing by a local resident who moved to Alaska from Florida this year. He obviously wasn't yet aware that most of the tourism industry here closes down for the winter.

The drive to Hatcher Pass along the Little Susitna River was stunning though, and lessened the pain of arriving at a gated road just beyond Hatcher Pass Lodge. If you want to go beyond the gate, you have to be on foot or an ATV. There wasn't enough snow yet for snowmobiles.

The entrance to the Independence Mine Historical State Park was also closed. We may never have an opportunity to return to Alaska to see what we missed this trip. Plan your visit for peak season to avoid being disappointed by "Closed" signs.

After our stay at Trapper Creek we drove to the Willow side of Hatcher Pass to ride ATV. In the 32 years I have lived in Alaska, Hatcher Pass is still one of my favorite places. We had a picnic by a stream, rode ATV back to old gold mines, hiked around a bit, watched the hang-gliders soar the sky. It was relaxing, beautiful and what Alaska is all about. I've learned that pictures just can't capture the expanse and majesty, but I'll post one.

Took grandkids here for the views and fishing on the other side. The views are great, right from the road. The gravel road to Willow gives more beautiful views.

We took a day drive along Hatcher Pass approaching from Palmer toward the Independence Mine State Historical Park. The road curves along streams and in between mountains for beautiful views. Once past Independence Mine, however, the road turns to gravel and remains that way to Willow, so very slow traveling. But worth it if you have the time. We noticed quite a few blueberry pickers in August, indicating an abundance in the area.

This was suggested to us by two different people while we were in Palmer for the day so we adjusted our plan a bit to fit this in and I'm really happy we did. We drove from Palmer up to the summit and then continued down all the way to Wasilla. The views are so gorgeous, everywhere you look is beautiful on this drive. And for the most part it's just a gravel road (well-maintained and not sketchy at all) going through the wilderness. We spotted a mine or campsite here and there but it really was just beautiful landscape most of the way. Cell service is mostly non-existent but you can't really get lost since it's just the one road. I did wish we had seen more wildlife but it was really neat to see a porcupine scurrying across the road in front of us so I'll take it. Definitely worth it if you have time to fit it in.

Drive up to Hatcher Pass, about an hour from Wasilla. Recent snow in the mountains gives the drive an ethereal feel. The ranger station and the ski lodge (no lift, have to hike up to ski down) are beautiful. A quick trip to see some real alaska.

Hatcher's Pass is a beautiful hiking place in the summer and has snow both early and late for sledding or cross country skiing. Brave souls will snow machine or skin up and ski down. Views are unparalleled on a clear day! It is a great and scenic drive even if you don't plan to do any outdoor activities there. There are cabins to rent for an overnight and a rustic restaurant to eat at too. It is the site of a former gold mine. The buildings are still visible and it is interesting to walk around. A true Alaskan gem!

Interesting very rough road so be careful if you have a rental car. The views are great and we saw a lot of para-gliders taking advantage of the thermals. If you are there in August plan to pick some wild blueberries.
I repeat, the road is one of the roughest I have ever been on in some stretches and you have to be concerned for chips in your windows. If some fool is racing toward you try to protect your windshield.

This is a wonderful, fact-filled, highly interesting site about gold mining in Alaska during the early to mid 20th century. There are many marques with detailed information describing each building and artifact. There is also a museum and visitors' center. The old mine and miners' bunks, mess hall, cooks' quarters and other buildings are fascinating. The scenery and surrounding fields and mountains are beautiful. The site is easily accessible from Wasilla and Palmer, AK or even Ankorage. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to this historic site.

Beautiful ride along a dirt & twisting road - climbing to the summit and down the other side is very photogenic ! Many trails for your feet to travel !
Little disappointed not to see more wild life as birds and prairie dogs were the main stay.
No gas or services along the way - several pull offs and plenty of places for a picnic !
Nice ride - closed during the winter months !

Hatcher Pass is a beautiful ride and a very safe road to travel on for the ones that don't like those kind of roads. make sure you check out the mine at the top, All paths are paved and easy to walk, I am from Colorado and this ride was very beautiful. Please check it out.

Well worth the drive! Beautiful scenery, breathtaking views, I just can't say enough about what this place has to offer! There's an old mine at the top. We arrived too late to go in, but it was pretty cool from the outside.

We live in Alaska and are used to the beautiful mountains. But there is simply no place like Hatcher's Pass. I lived in Chile, and these mountains are more breathtaking than the Andes.

We spent fours days in the Wasilla-Palmer and almost missed this drive. It was on the night before every our last day that we read about the Hatcher Pass Drive. We began at Palmer and exited at Willow. What spectacular scenery. The first 18 miles is magnificent and goes to the mine. If pressed for time this would be the absolute minimum drive to do. An overlook parking place and trails overlooking the valley and river is about five miles beyond that and I highly recommend to drive to this point if time allows. Certainly worth the drive. After that point the road becomes much more narrow and there is a very steep descent to a valley where beaver ponds can be seen. Pot holes cover the next 20 miles or so. Driving slowly and dodges the pot holes does create a time consuming drive but I. My opinion is the drive is well worth the time. We are so glad we did this drive. It ranks very high in my travels of scenic drives not to be missed.

I went almost in the end of Summer in August and this place was beautiful.
I came across in this route when returning from Denali to Anchorage. Lovely place to spend some time at least a couple of hours in the hatchers pass lodge

This pass is about a 90 minute drive from Anchorage. You access it from Palmer or Houston. The route from Palmer is more scenic. The road from Palmer follows the Little Su River for awhile. The pass is above tree line. The road is good. The views from the road are great. There are a multitude of great hikes. A short, moderately steep hike from the top of the pass to April Bowl and Hatch Peak provides incredible vistas of the Alaska Range and Chugach Mountains, particularly on a nice day. Highly recommended trip, even if you don't go hiking.

Beautiful drive! We saw several parasailers when we got to the peak of the drive. Great lookout points and lovely river.

What a beautifully stunning drive. It’s windy and a bit bumpy in parts but the scenery and veiws are absolutely worth the distance. Just being off the main road and winding around lanes was delightful. The September foliage was a blaze with reds and bright yellows and if you’re into foraging then this is the place to come with berries galore!!

A wonderful place to drive to enjoy the late summer daylight. Lots of hiking trails in the area. Moose are in the area so be on the lookout.

..drive. We drove the whole loop, from Willow to Palmer and back to Willow. Easy drive, with great views. Weather dependent, although, but we were lucky. Read in to the pass history will make it even more rewarding. If u want hike, there's plenty of opportunities. A good day!

We drove up to Hatcher Pass one afternoon. It's a long (maybe 20 miles), windy, paved road to the top. But the Pass road itself was still closed in late June because of snow. (The Pass road is a gravel mountain road between here and the town of Willow which is north of Wasilla). It was quite breezy up here on the day we drove up. If you plan to explore, definitely bring a heavy fleece or a jacket. There is a huge parking lot at the top of the road. The main thing to see up here is the Independence Mine State Historic Park, a huge abandoned gold mine with many of the buildings still intact. There is a $5.00/car fee to get into the Independence Mine property. There also are trails that take you higher and higher up the mountainside. We hiked up one of the steep trails for about 45 minutes. You're above tree line so it's pretty rocky and wide open hiking. Great views! After returning to the parking lot, we strolled over to the Hatcher Pass Lodge and Cabins and walked down several of the short paths on the tundra-like landscape. Amazingly, even in this relatively harsh climate, we found little flowers blooming. The ride back down the mountain has a number of pull offs that offer some gorgeous views of the Mat-Su valley. We had the good fortune to have a sunny day to really take in the view. As you descend (or as you climb), the Little Susitna River hugs the roadside for a while adding to the pleasure of the trip. There are other hiking opportunities along the Hatcher Pass Road. A favorite of our B&B host was the Gold Mint Trail - but we didn't have enough time to give it a try.

We drove from Wasila up to the Independence Mine to see the gold rush era town and drove through Hatcher Pass and stopped several times to see the river and scenery. Very pretty, especially after it had rained 7+ inches in the last 2 days with raging water and waterfalls. Also the Fall colors just started so it’s well worth the drive! We were here 3rd week August 2022.

The views here were amazing! A piece of history that is slowly deteriorating but a great place to take family for the views and a quick history lesson! We did not take any guided tour but ventured around ourselves.

If every road in Alaska was like this then we would of given it a lower rating, but it's a great break from the highway as there are hardly any cars on this primarily dirt road. Standard scenic drive, but with a few mining areas to look at as well as a nice pond where para-sailers were riding the updrafts. If you have time and need a break from the highway then this is your road. Enjoy and make it a great day!

I had read about this pass, and was able to drive through during our recent trip (just opened after the winter). Coming from Willow, the first part is pretty much just woods, making one wonder if the drive was really worth it. Trust me, it is! Once you get onto the part that is dirt road, it begins to rise into the mountains, with absolutely amazing views. The drive is white-knuckle in spots, however, so be prepared for that. I would definitely recommend doing the drive if you can. Note that the GPS can be unreliable here -- it kept trying to turn us around, not recognizing the dirt road!

Such a beautiful drive drive! This was one of the highlights of our trip. The main road is drivable by most any car but there are some branch off roads that require a jeep or similar vehicle.

Well worth an hour of driving to see some spectacular views. Eventually the paved road dead ends into a mining attraction, but you can turn around easily and go back down the way you came for some more exceptional scenery. If you have a decent 4 wheel drive off-road vehicle, you can continue the drive on dirt roads and cross over the mountains into the city of Willow. We didn't since our rental had a clause about not going on any dirt or graveled roads, and the steep drop-offs made me pretty nervous.

We went snowshoeing in Hatcher Pass recently, taking in the scenery and breathtaking mountain views. It was overcast and snowing, so the visibility wasn't great, but there was PLENTY of snow to go around. Many people were in the valley on snow machines, but the cross country ski trails and untouched powder were very appealing. It was quiet, beautiful, and serene. And only 30 minutes from Wasilla or Palmer.

The drive to Hatcher Pass is beautiful. Then once you have arrived you can hike several different trails depending on your level of difficulty. Breathtaking views on each. Plan on spending a full day here as there never seems to be enough time to enjoy!

Hatcher pass has become one of my favorite places to go. It has so many beautiful trails of varying lengths and difficulties. A quick hike to Gold Cord Lake is easy exercise but the views make you feel like you are worlds away from the parking lot below. I also recommend the drive through the pass to willow. It's spectacular. Like that there are restrooms here and the trails are well travelled. I feel safe hiking solo on the more popular paths.

My family and I love to hike around Hatchers Pass. They have the old mine you can check out or just hike around the mountains. Their are many popular trails, just find a spot where theirs parking and you'll find a trail. Make sure to dress warm and bring something to eat because you can take a quick hike somewhere or spend all day hiking if you'd like. The views from the top of any trail up their are beautiful. I'd suggest staying along the more traveled areas if your new to the area.

Nice people and beautiful sites. Park opened at 10am (gate is locked so don't try to go in before unless you're on foot). Visitors center opened at 11. We went on the tour for $6 to get into the old buildings. WELL WORTH IT. Ranger Matt was a gem! Enthusiastic and obviously loves his job! He knows so much about the mine and the area. I did no t appreciate this place just walking around myself but his narration brought the place to life! Great bookstore and hikes around too. A must see on your trip to AK!

We hiked the mountain with a six and three-year old and they were able to make it up just fine, although we did hold their hands quite a bit because the trail is narrow in some parts, and we didn't want them to slip. My daughter had her one-year old in an Ergo carrier on her back and didn't have any trouble. The mountain itself is steep, but the trail has enough switchbacks to make it less strenuous. The view is beautiful from the top. There are two small lakes at the top and a small (but beautiful) waterfall flowing down the side. Independence Mine is located a couple of miles down the road and was kind of cool to see. Some of the structures have literally fallen down into piles of rubble, but the artifacts in the museum were interesting. They are in the process of repainting several of the buildings and have caution tape in some areas. Not the best time for authentic looking scrapbook pics, but, oh well. We had a super fun day here.

We drove through Hatcher Pass, on our last day in Alaska. We did this drive after we did the Glacier landing tour, on our way back to Anchorage. Our flight was at 1.40 am in the morning. So we had quite some time. The initial plan was to reach Independence Mine, but we had spent so much time making multiple stops to take pictures and take in the scenery that we did not have time to visit Indendence Mine. There were lot of people who were camping and berry picking. We did a short stop and did some berry picking ourselves. My five year old had a fabulous time berrypicking.