Gold Cord Lake

The feel

The trailhead sits at the end of the road, opposite the entrance to Independence Mine. You cross a bridge and work up the hillside over a few rocky patches, passing the Lynch cabin, which once housed a mine worker and his family.

Near the top a boulder field brings some light scrambling, then the trail opens onto a crystal clear tarn in a steep-sided bowl above Independence Mine State Historical Park. The route is above treeline, with birds and marmots for company.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Out and back, 1.5 to 2 miles total, with 450 to 800 ft of gain. A fairly straight trail, then switchbacks through a boulder field with some light scrambling near the top.

Time

About 1 hour.

Crowds and best time

It can get crowded on summer days when the mine is open. Best from June to October.

Parking

Park at Independence Mine, across from the trailhead, or in the Alaska State Parks lot about a mile down the road and walk up.

Fees and passes

$5 day use, or an Alaska State Parks pass in the lower lot.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash.

Kids

An excellent choice for families with children or groups with different fitness levels.

Hazards

Rocky sections can be slippery when wet.

Bathrooms and water

Latrines at the trailhead.

Season and access

Roads to this trailhead are subject to seasonal closure in the winter months.

Mingo says

Go from June through October, since winter road closures can shut the trailhead. Wait for dry rock, because the rocky sections get slippery when wet.

Before you go

• Pay $5 to park at the mine, or use the lower State Parks lot with $5 or a State Parks pass.
• The mine usually closes around 5 or 6pm and cars are left behind the gate, so park in the lower lot if you will be out late.
• Wear shoes with decent traction and bring non-cotton layers.

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