Hatcher Pass - Classic Day Drives from Anchorage Alaska

Driving north from Anchorage isn't as instantly dramatic as going south, but within an hour you're immersed in stop-and-shoot scenery. The Glenn Highway runs northeast to agricultural Palmer, and from there you can take a mountain road to scenic Hatcher Pass.

From Anchorage, it's a 3-hour road trip (roundtrip), and you can also hit Hatcher Pass on the way up to Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks-which adds about two hours to the total. You'll probably want to spend more time along the way, however-here are some of our recommended stops:

Eagle River Nature Center (Mile 13.4)

Just 30 minutes out of town, you'll come to the dramatic Eagle River Valley and the nature center, the gateway to Chugach State Park. Pick the brains of the rangers for activities; perhaps you'll hike a section of the Iditarod Trail and hark back to the days when the trail was used as a mail route. Albert Loop Trail meanders three miles through prime beaver-watching territory and serves up great peak views.

Details

907-694-2108

Exit at mile 13.4 and take Old Glenn Highway, follow signs to mile 12.5 Eagle River Rd.

32 min from downtown

27 miles one-way

Thunderbird Falls (Mile 25.2)

Walk through the mossy forest of birch trees about one mile; you're soon surrounded by ferns, and then at the viewing platform, where you can watch the thunderous falls tumble down the rocky cliff face.

31 min from downtown

26 miles one-way

Eklutna Village Historical Park (Mile 26.5)

Dating back to 1650, the park is the area's oldest continuously inhabited Athabaskan Indian settlement. Russian Orthodox missionaries came here in the early 1800s, and you can still see St. Nicholas Church, the oldest standing building in greater Anchorage. Snap some pictures of the colorful Spirit Houses build over the graves of the deceased-a custom that came from the melding of the cultures. Up for a walk? It'll pay off with a glacier view, as well as the chance to see foxes, eagles, and black bears.

Details

907-696-2828

Exit at mile 26.5 and take Eklutna Lake Rd.

32 min from downtown

27 miles one-way

Eklutna Lake

On the other side of the highway, a 10-mile road leads to this secluded lake, a great spot to picnic, hike, or fish. Trails include the easy 8-mile Lakeside Trail or 6.5-mile Twin Peaks Trail, which climbs to magnificent views.

44 min from downtown

37 miles one-way

Old Glenn Highway (Mile 29.6)

To explore the road less traveled, take the Old Glenn Highway to Palmer, a back road that feels like old Alaska. The roadside homes and farms are rural and private, with space and beauty all around them. You'll cross the old Knik River Bridge where you can get out and hike around, but there tend to be a lot of four-wheelers in the area.

36 min from downtown

30 miles one-way

Parks Highway Junction (Mile 35.3)

Here's the start of the George Parks Highway, which leads north to Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks. Continuing east on the Glenn brings you toward Palmer, Matanuska Glacier, and McCarthy-Kennicott.

43 min from downtown

36 miles one-way

Palmer (Mile 42)

This charming agricultural village was founded in 1935, when FDR moved 203 farm families out of the Dust Bowl for a fresh start in Alaska. Set between two ranges of towering mountains, Palmer's the home of the 80-pound cabbage and other freakishly large vegetables. See these giants at the visitor center, along with the world's only musk-ox farm. While you watch mating bulls butt heads, the farm harvests wool for the Oomingmak Producer's Coop in Anchorage.

Details

Visitor Center: Exit at mile 42, right on W. Evergreen, right on S. Valley Way; 907-745-2880; www.palmerchamber.org; open weekdays 9am-6pm from May-Sep

Musk-Ox Farm: Exit at Archie Rd., mile 50.1; 907-745-4151; www.muskoxfarm.org; open daily 10am-6 pm from Mother's Day-Sep; tours every half hour from 10:00am-5:30pm, $8.

52 min from downtown

43 miles one-way

Hatcher Pass (Mile 49.5)

For a beautiful drive on some of the highest, most spectacular, and wildest roadway in the state, take a detour up Palmer-Fishhook Road (Hatcher Pass Road). After about 13 miles of modern pavement, you'll negotiate some rough conditions up and over the mountains-peaking at Hatcher Pass (3,886 feet). This old mining area is scenic, rich in history, and offers great hiking and berry picking. Hatcher Pass Road is 49 miles total and continues east to the Parks Highway (mile 71.2), near Willow.

2 hr from downtown

100 miles one-way to road's end

Independence Mine

Before you reach the pass, turn off on Gold Cord Road (17 miles from Palmer). This short detour (1.2 miles) takes you to Independence Mine State Historical Park, where you can explore buildings and machinery from the 30's.

1 hr 23 min from downtown

69 miles one-way

Alaska Highway Drives from Anchorage

Classic Day Drives From Anchorage » Hatcher Pass