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If the weather permits, this is a beautiful drive up and over the mountains. The road leads from Palmer, through the pass, into Willow, or vice versa if coming from the other direction. We were worried some about the road after reading the reviews, but we had no issues in our rented Camry. I don't think there are no set dates on when the pass opens and appears to be based off when enough snow and ice melt to make it safe to drive. You can take some beautiful pictures towards the top of the pass. Summit Lake wasn't much to look at, but the surrounding area is a great place to stop and take pictures. The full drive from Palmer to Willow is fairly long (40+ miles), and the last 20 miles outside of Willow is pretty flat following the creek running off the mountain. It is still pretty, but if pressed for time, go to the top of the pass from Palmer and come back down the same way.
Went in off season, snow mobiles had packed snow so snow shoes weren't necessary. Road is extremely treacherous, trucks were very stuck but everyone was doing their best to help. Felt sick and wasn't able to finish the hike but it was very pretty.
Visiting Alaska? Whether it's for a hike, skiing, checking out the historic gold mine, or looking for the perfect selfie scenery... Hatcher Pass is the place to go. ❤️
Keep driving all the way up. I'd recommend parking at Hatcher Pass Lodge in the winter and stop in for the best homemade pie in Alaska. They have specialty drinks for all ages, games, and soak in the amazing views as you warm up by the woodstove.
A must go place for people visiting palmer area. The drive is just too awesome. We were coming from denali side in july end and visited this first from willow and then went to palmar where we had booked our stay. This route was very convenient.
The place has many trails but the trails are not marked properly. We could still do some trails by checking on the offline map that we had downloaded. Carry food and water for sure. Restrooms are very less so before starting to drive up, take your restroom trip somewhere.
Summit lake is beautiful and we did april bowl trail which was out of the world.
Do visit this gem. It will take to a different world altogether.
Wow this place is beautiful!! Put this in your list of places to see in beautiful Alaska! What a beautiful home we have here in this state!! Remarkable right out of a story book this place is!! Glad to have gone in August and to have seen everything green no snow! No white! You should experience it just like that! Plenty of time later to see the white stuff and it’s beauty…..
