Exploring hotspots around Anchorage, Alaska (Day 5)
We woke up at the beautiful Turnagain Pass parking lot surrounded by mountains and set off early in the morning after a quick breakfast and coffee.As we left the Kenai Welcome Sign behind with a heavy heart we ventured further north as the road hugged the shoreline, offering panoramic views of turquoise waters and the rugged coastline. We often found ourselves stopping at scenic viewpoints to capture photographs of the breathtaking scenery.We stopped at Chugach National park sign to take in the view and then continued on to Beluga Point, where we paused to take in the breathtaking views of the Turnagain Arm and the bore tide .
Continuing along the highway, we approached the quaint community of Girdwood, a charming town nestled among the mountains to fuel up and continue on to Anchorage to drop off our RV at the rental center. From there we took an uber to the airport to get a normal rental car for the rest of the day.If we had one more day we would have probably gone to Denali National park , the crown jewel of Alaska but since that was not the case we decided to explore Hatchers Pass a hidden gem very close to Anchorage.
Hatcher Pass has a storied history that begins in the early 20th century with the discovery of gold in the area. Named after Felix Hatcher, an early gold prospector, the pass was crucial in the development of the region’s mining industry. The Independence Mine, a significant gold mine from the 1930s, is a testament to the area’s mining heritage. Today, the historic Independence Mine State Historical Park offers visitors a glimpse into the past with preserved buildings and informative displays about the life of miners and the gold rush era. The park serves as both a historical site and a starting point for exploring the pass’s natural beauty. It all begins with a picturesque 49-mile scenic drive connecting Palmer to the town of Willow via Hatchers pass. This drive provides some of the most breathtaking views in Alaska including panoramic vistas of the Talkeetna Mountains, lush valleys, and clear blue lakes. At some of the pullouts on a clear day you can capture the stunning landscape, including views of the Matanuska Glacier in the distance.
Every time we visit the area we make sure to stop by the Hatchers Pass lodge, situated above treeline at 3,000 feet in the Talkeetna Mountains and before the State park visitor center. It has 10 private dry- cabins with big glass windows amid stunning mountain vistas and is a perfect spot for having some lunch or enjoying the view with some local brews. The View coupled with the friendly staff makes it a memorable experience. We were able to spot a lot of Golden crowned sparrows in their breeding plumage and lots of Black billed magpies, a common bird all over Alaska around the lodge.
But no trip to this place is complete till you have been to the Summit Lake. As the names suggest it is located at the summit of Hatcher Pass, and offers tranquil and breathtaking scenery in every direction and opportunities for snow sports even in summer.Since the lake is stocked with fish, including trout it's a great place to try some fishing as well. If you are lucky you can see golden eagles, ptarmigans, marmots and some alpine birds. From here you can either drive back via Palmer to continue onwards with scenic but gravel roads all the way to Willow before joining Highway 3 back to Anchorage. Or if you choose you can take highway 3 north to Denali. As we wanted to explore the Turnigain arm we turned back from Summit lake and went to Potter’s marsh, a well-known wetland located just south of Anchorage. It is located within the Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge and is easily accessible from the Seward Highway, making it a popular spot for both locals and tourists to enjoy wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.
Potter Marsh is a critical habitat for a variety of wildlife, including migratory birds, fish, and mammals. During different seasons, visitors can observe a diverse range of bird species such as eagles, swans, and various waterfowl. The marsh serves as a rest stop for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, making it a prime location for birdwatching. The boardwalk and viewing platforms at Potter Marsh offer visitors , even with limited mobility, a chance to observe wildlife up close without disturbing their natural habitat. It's a popular destination for photographers, birdwatchers, and nature enthusiasts year-round, but is dependent on tides and fish availability on that day. After spending a few hours enjoying the area we decided to say goodbye and turn back towards the airport as the evening traffic was building up.
As we took our red eye flight back to Chicago , we wondered how quickly these days passed and how it is one of our favorite places to be in USA and we can’t wait to come back.