Summit Lake State Recreation Site

The feel

Hatcher Pass Summit sits inside this 360-acre park at 3,886 feet. Summit Lake is a small cirque lake, or tarn, 20 feet deep, left behind by an alpine glacier that is long gone. A trail circles the lake and leads to a bluff with views of the Willow Creek Valley, the Susitna Valley and the western arc of the Alaska Range.

Paragliders soar around the nearby peaks on most summer weekends, and blueberries can be found throughout the area in August.

What to expect

What it is

A small alpine lake and day-use area at the top of the pass, with a trail around the lake and a bluff above it. There are no campgrounds.

Crowds and best time

Summer is when visitors come, with paragliders on most weekends and blueberries in August.

Parking

Parking is limited.

Hazards

Snow can fall any month of the year at this elevation. The Hatcher Pass Road from Mile 17.5 to Mile 32.5 is rough, gravel, narrow and steep, and RVs and large vehicles are not recommended.

Season and access

Road access is limited to summer, usually July through late September, on a dirt road. In winter the area is mainly used by skiers, snowboarders and snowmobilers.

Mingo says

Come between July and late September, when the road is open, and aim for a summer weekend to watch the paragliders. Dress for snow even in July.

Before you go

• Leave RVs and large vehicles behind; the road is rough, narrow and steep, so expect slow passage.
• Call (907) 269-8400 for park information.
• Walk the April Bowl Trail about one mile to a small alpine lake if you want more than the lake loop.

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