Hatcher Pass is an alpine paradise that features the stunning views of the Talkeetna Mountains, gold mining artifacts, and prime year-round outdoor recreation activities including hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, berry picking, and more.
Hatcher Pass is a favorite recreation area for residents of the Matanuska-Susitna Valley and Anchorage area, and is easily accessible from Palmer, Wasilla, and Anchorage. Its stunning panoramas are some of the most photographed views in the Mat-Su Valley.
Gold mine remains on Hatcher pass
In 1896, gold was discovered in Willow Creek and early prospecting began in the area. Not ten years later, in 1904, Robert Lee Hatcher staked the first hard rock gold claim. This part of the Talkeetna Mountains would carry his namesake. Take a scenic drive through Hatcher Pass today and you’re bound to spot the remnants of small mining operations up in the hills.
The Wasilla Mining Company began an organized mining endeavor in 1938, with wood-frame buildings and interconnected tunnels, laying the foundation for one of Alaska’s most productive hard rock gold mining sites. From your first glance at Independence Mine it is clear that this facility must have brought in a new era of mining efficiency up there.
Independence Mine reached its peak in 1941, with over 200 employees, 22 families living on site, and 16 structures that included housing and shared communal spaces for schooling and social gatherings.
In 1942, the U.S. government’s wartime policies deemed gold mining non-essential, leading to a significant reduction in operations. The mine ceased operations entirely by 1951, but not before producing 34,416 ounces of gold.
In 1983, the site was designated as Independence Mine State Historical Park. A visit to the site today can include a walk amongst the historic structures that are still standing, a glance at some of the actual equipment used in the mine, myriad interpretive signage sharing further details about life at Independence, and even private guided tours of some of the buildings! Though you can walk to the mine from the lower parking lot year round, the upper lot and visitor center are open during the summer months.
