Hatcher Pass Hike & History Tour

What your day looks like

This afternoon excursion from Anchorage includes a local guide, our signature tour at Independence Mine State Historical Park, a gold panning demonstration and time at the creek with a pan (rental included), and an interpretive hike along the Mill Loop Trail. To begin this unique Alaska adventure, we’ll drive north from Anchorage along the Knik Arm, passing through the town of Palmer, an agricultural community known for growing record-breaking produce that grows under our famous Midnight Sun. As we ascend into the Talkeetna Mountains, we’ll enter the breathtaking alpine area known as Hatcher Pass, where we’ll take an interpretive walk through the now-abandoned Independence Mine. Following this 45-minute tour, enjoy a panning demonstration and free time to pan on your own before continuing to a guided hike around the greater mine site along the Mill Loop Trail. This loop trail is an easy .9-mile hike with 177 feet of elevation gain (since we’re already at 3,500 feet in the Talkeetna Mountains, the views are incredible!). This short trail above Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass is family-friendly and introduces flora and fauna of alpine ecosystems. Common wildlife sightings include arctic ground squirrels and marmots — If you don’t see them, you will likely hear them whistle!