Hatcher Pass in the Talkeetna Mountains, spectacular in all seasons, a favorite all season outdoor playground in southcentral Alaska. Plenty of places for summer hikes abound with a few highlighted here.

Spring comes late in the Pass, even after wildflowers have finished blooming on the valley floor, many alpine wildflowers are still blooming. A historical view of gold mining in the Talkeetnas can be had touring the Independence Mine Historical Park. Or for those who don't mind a short but steep hill climb, there's no better scenery then at Gold Cord Lake. Or park next to Summit Lake and walk the short distance to the ridge behind it for a spectacular view to the Susitna Valley or Autumn colors sprayed across the mountain slopes.

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Getting to Hatcher Pass (Alaska):

Driving Directions: From Palmer, drive north on the Glenn Highway, turn left on (Palmer) Fishhook Road. From Wasilla, heading west on the Parks Highway, turn right on Wasilla Fishhook Rd. (Knik Rd. is to the left).

Cost of Parking: At the beginning of 2005 Alaska State Parks started charging to park most places along the Hatcher Pass Rd from above the Little Susitna River (bridge) to Independence Mine State Park, including Gold Mint Trail trailhead, the pull-out at the turn to Archangel Rd, the parking area at Hatcher Pass Lodge (about one mile below Independence Mine), and of course at Independence Mine. Parking costs $5 per day or State Parks sells annual passes for $40. If you buy a second State Park's annual parking pass at the same time the total cost is $60. See the Alaska State Parks web site for more information. In Mat-Su the State Parks office is located at Mile .7 Bogard Rd. (turn north on Trunk Rd from the Palmer-Wasilla Hwy, then left - towards Wasilla - on Bogard. There's a State Parks sign on the left in less than a mile).

plants and flowers in a forest environment | wildflowers

This page last updated March 28, 2007