Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass Alaska
Deep within the mysterious Talkeetna Mountains, between the small towns of Willow and Palmer, your group will find the local delight of Hatcher Pass. Locals absolutely love this area for recreation and scenic drives along Hatcher Pass Road, a 60-mile narrow road winding through the Talkeetna Mountains.
Hatcher Pass is an area that receives some of the earliest snow of the season, making it the old practice location for the Junior Olympic Ski Team. One of the biggest draws to this location, outside of the amazing mountain views, is the Independence Mine Historical Park. A visit to this historic landmark will educate your group on the history of 206 workers and 16 families who brought 140,000 ounces of gold out of the mountains. The park shows how this mining effort, along with many others in Alaska, came to face major decline after WWII left its lasting mark.
Hatcher Pass also offers unique hiking opportunities among the alpine tundra, dotted with Alaska wildflowers and ptarmigan, as well as phenomenal skiing. On a clear day, the views from Hatcher Pass will allow you to take in the entirety of the Chugach Range, Alaska Range, and Pioneer Peak in Palmer. After learning about the mining history of this location, hiking the numerous offered trails, and taking in all the roadside scenery that you can, enjoy a relaxing lunch or dinner picnic at a breath-taking 4,000 ft altitude, a unique opportunity only Hatcher Pass offers its guests!
