Summit Lake crowns an undeveloped playground at Hatcher Pass

There is plenty to do at Hatcher Pass, but you don't have to do anything to enjoy a fine day at the top. Parasailors launch from peaks near the pass, high above timberline at 3,886 feet. They swoop and soar along the slopes, bright as butterflies, riding the thermals like ravens. Wildflowers grow in profusion on the green, tundra covered slopes and ripe blueberries color hillsides high above Willow Creek in August. Bird watching is good, too. Bright yellow Wilson's warblers dart about in the brush and a flock of waxwings stopping to rest and feed before heading south is a delight to see. A pair of binoculars, a couple of field guides and a picnic lunch provide more than enough to do, but you might as well take a berry bucket, too.

More things to see and do at Hatcher Pass

Hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding on old mining roads and trails throughout the area make Hatcher Pass a popular summer day trip or weekend getaway. Fishing and gold panning along the Little Susitna River and Willow Creek combine well with blueberry picking in late summer. Primitive streamside camping is allowed on numerous turnouts along Willow Creek. Developed campgrounds near Willow, at the west end of the Hatcher Pass road, near the junction with the Parks Highway, offer salmon fishing. Food and lodging are available year around at Hatcher Pass Lodge and Motherlode Lodge. Snowmachine and cross-country skiing enthusiasts flock to this popular winter sports area on winter weekends.

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