Independence Mine State Historical Park & Hatcher Pass
Independence Mine
Abandoned gold mine on the alpine tundra of the Talkeetna Mountains, with wooden mine buildings and lakes and hiking trails at the nearby pass.
In the 1930s and 1940s, Independence Mine was one of Alaska's largest hard-rock gold mines. After it closed, it became a state historic park, preserving the bunkhouses, mess hall, ore mill and remains of the ore tramway. A visitor centre and guided tours operate in summer. The mine sits on alpine tundra at about 1,000 metres. Continuing up to Hatcher Pass reveals alpine lakes and canyons, along with several hiking routes, and the tundra turns red in late August. It is about 1.5 hours from Anchorage, and the pass road is generally only open from July to September.
Opening hours
Summer approx. 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Musk Ox Farm
- Eklutna Historical Park
- Thunderbird Falls
- Eklutna Lake
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
- Alaska Botanical Garden
- Flattop Mountain
- Anchorage Museum