Independence Mine State Historical Park

The feel

Independence Mine was one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps, and it shut its doors in 1951. The park covers 761 acres at Hatcher Pass, a preserved 1930s gold camp in an alpine bowl with bunkhouses, snow-sheds and tundra. Three buildings are open to walk through: the General Managers House, Bunkhouse No. 2 with a small gift shop and snacks, and the Assay Office.

A 45 minute guided walking tour follows how a miner's life was lived between 1938 and 1950. The mill and the mine shafts are closed to the public, but gold panning is allowed with a pan and shovel only. Berry picking is an August activity at Hatcher Pass.

What to expect

What it is

A preserved gold mining camp and state historical park with toilets, water, picnic sites and trails.

Time

The guided walking tour takes 45 minutes.

Crowds and best time

The visitors center is open daily June 18 to Sept 30.

Parking

The upper lot gate is open 9am to 7pm. Outside gate hours, park at the lower lot and walk up.

Fees and passes

A daily parking fee applies. Guided tour: $15 adult, $12 military or senior, $5 child aged 2 to 11, infants free.

Kids

Children aged 2 to 11 pay $5 for the guided tour, and infants are free.

Bathrooms and water

Toilets and water are available.

Season and access

Palmer-Fishhook Road is paved to the park and open year-round, except the last mile in winter. Four-wheel-drive is recommended roughly October 1 through May 31. The road over the Hatcher Pass summit is generally open July 1 through September 15.

Mingo says

Plan your visit between June 18 and September 30, when the tours run. Visit in the window when the summit road is generally open.

Before you go

• Drive 13.7 miles north on Palmer-Fishhook Road from Glenn Highway milepost 49.5.
• Park in the upper lot while its gate is open from 9am to 7pm, or use the lower lot and walk up outside those hours.
• Guided tour tickets run $15 adult, $12 military or senior, and $5 child aged 2 to 11.
• Call Park Headquarters at (907) 745-8950 with questions about the park.

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