Hatcher Pass Lodge

The feel

The lodge sits above treeline at 3,000 feet in the Talkeetna Mountains, on a private inholding within the 761-acre Independence Mine State Historical Park. The original A-frame lodge opened in 1967, built by founder Karl "Hap" Wurlitzer, who had staked 10 acres in 1963. The walls hold his ice axes, crampons and snowshoes, with paintings of the surrounding peaks.

The lodge serves lunch and dinner, including fondue, smoked halibut and homemade soups. A sauna sits over the creek, down the path from the lodge. You can hike from here to the mill remains at Independence Mine, to Box Lake and to Skyscraper Mountain.

What to expect

What it is

A historic A-frame lodge with a restaurant, bar and rustic cabins near Independence Mine.

Fees and passes

Cabins charge $20.00 per pet per stay.

Dogs

Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

Hazards

Reaching the loft in some cabins means climbing ladders. No cooking is allowed in the cabins because of bears and other critters.

Bathrooms and water

The cabins are dry cabins with no running water and marine style toilets. The lodge has conventional bathrooms for guests.

Season and access

The lodge is at Mi 17.5 Fishhook Willow Rd in the Hatcher Pass area.

Mingo says

Cabin rooms may lack cell service, so plan on being offline. Reach the loft cabins with care, since the lofts are up ladders.

Before you go

• Call (907) 745-1200 to book a cabin or ask about the pet policy.
• Check in at the Main Lodge between 3 PM and 8 PM; check-out is 11:00 AM.
• Cook nothing and light no campfires at the cabins, and do not smoke inside.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.