The Alaska Life

Hatcher Pass – 25 Reasons That’ll Make You Want To Visit

Hatcher Pass Photo Gallery

A collection of images from all seasons of the beautiful Hatcher Pass and surrounding area

by Cecil Sanders

Hatcher Pass is an amazing place. The mountains are worthy of a simple evening drive. The many trails have so much flora and fauna waiting to be discovered. The abandoned gold mines are full of history to learn about. It’s a place that is easy to fall in love with and for those who’ve never been—the following photo gallery is sure to inspire a visit.

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The Little Susitna River flows over and around a field of boulders descending into a small canyon
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Mt. Hunter in the Alaska Range as seen from Hatcher Pass
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The old Gold Bullion Cabin
Lupine in bloom near the headwaters of the Little Susitna River
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The Mint Hut sits below Mint Glacier on the Gold Mint Trail. Read more here: “Gold Mint Trail“
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Skiing in a winter wonderland near Independence Mine
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Tracks leading out of a mine
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Independence Mine beneath the aurora in mid-winter
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Talkeetna Range beneath the milky way and a faint aurora display
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Lupine blooming in Hatcher Pass
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Hatcher Pass Lodge in late autumn with snow creeping down the Talkeetna Range
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A least weasel poses on top of a rock near the Gold Cord Lake trail
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Aurora explodes overhead in late September along the banks of the Little Susitna River
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The historic sod Lynch Cabin below Gold Cord Lake in Hatcher Pass
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The sun setting behind the Talkeetna Range with Fishhook Creek descending toward the Little Susitna River
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Archangel Valley after an early snow
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Aurora above Palmer from Hatcher Pass
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The Little Susitna River in early autumn
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Arctic cotton grass along a beaver dam in Archangel Valley
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Independence Mine with termination dust
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Large pools of clear water along the Reed Lakes Trail
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A hoary marmot closely watching hikers
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Purple flowers covering the mossy ground
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Fireweed blossoming with snow on the peaks in Hatcher Pass
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Baby birds waiting for a meal

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. This is one of my most favorite spots. When I lived in Alaska I went all the time by myself once I learned how to drive. I really miss it.

    Reply

  2. Thank you, lovely…my three children each had a rep from their respective families in the Hatcher Pass Marathon this year; such a thrill!

    Reply

  3. I miss Hatcher Pass. I was born in Anchorage but raised in Palmer. We lived in Palmer but mom chose to go to Anchorage. Hatcher Pass was like my backyard. Hiking in the summer and sledding in the winter.
    When my husband and I retired we sold our home to be close to our grandsons. I try to get back home when possible.

    Reply

    • Hello! You sound like an expert, and I have been doing a lot of research on the best hike to do up the Hatcher’s pass if we don’t have a lot of time. Would you recommend Gold Cord trail or April Bowl? They are both about the same distance.

      Reply

  5. thanks for the wonderful refresher of your splendid wedding there in 2001.
    i remember so many beautiful scenes. What a perfect day.
    love, mom

    Reply

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