Hatcher Pass

After Talkeetna, we headed to Palmer and Big Bear RV Park.  Palmer and Wasilla sit very close together nestled in the Chugach mountains.  From our site, we could see the snow covered peaks in the distance.  Unfortunately, the light was never good enough for a picture but it was a great view.  We wanted to get out into the area and see the mountains so we headed for Hatcher Pass.  On our way to the pass, we passed through a recreation area bordered by the Susitna River in an area of Castle Mountain Fault.  Not surprising, this area has been active geologically and still is today.  We enjoyed the drive up and into the Chugach range and finally arrived at the pass.  Here are some pictures of the trip.

We left Talkeetna and headed to the pass on Palmer-Fishhook Road.  Funny name for a road but Fishhook is a common road name in combination with other townships names like Willow-Fishhook.  As we entered the recreation area, we stopped to read the information signs and view a river that was flowing next to the road.  Such a peaceful, lovely place.

The water in the river was swift, clear and cold.  The color is blue as the water comes from melting glaciers.  Further along, we saw fly fishermen standing in the water casting for trout. Would be very fun but the water is very cold.

Past the river, we turned on to the road that leads up to the pass.  The views from the roadway were amazing (as usual).  There were so many different shades of green and of course, in the distance peaks rise, many with snow spots on them.

We stopped at an overlook and got another traveler to take our picture.  Yes, we really are together!

The paved road climbed upward toward the pass and a lake, Wonder Lake.  At the end of the paved section, this overlook gives a view of the surrounding mountains.  It is also the trailhead for a couple of hikes -- both go pretty much straight up, not for us!  The colors are just unbelievable.

We were surprised to see folks parasailing.  They would jump from a cliff and the ride the air currents and circle down into the valley below for a landing.  Their colorful sails were quite a sight against the blue of the sky and the fluffy clouds.  Boy, would I love to do that!

After the lookout, the pavement ended and gravel took over.  The road turned and went up steep enough that we used our four-wheel drive.  It circled upward and came to Wonder Lake.  The lake was quite small and the blue reflected back the blue of the sky.  Unfortunately, my picture did not come out but it was beautiful.

Once we went through the pass, we had a choice of continuing on to see where the gravel road would lead us or backtrack and go back the way we came.  Well, we never like to backtrack; besides, we never know what lies over the hill and around the next bend.  As it turns out, we came to an abandoned gold mine.  Above us, some of the remaining equipment sat as witness to the search for gold so many pursued.

For over an hour, we followed the gravel road.  It took us through some of the most beautiful forest ever.  There were picnickers stopped by the roadway enjoying the views and the cool mountain air.  There were many ATV groups camping next the the creeks.  There were even lone tent campers perched on the cliffs below us enjoying nature.  We stopped many times to enjoy the views and to walk into the forest.  Finally, we emerged back at the highway near Willow.  


Willow is one of the villages that has been hit very hard by the fires.  All around the blackened remains of trees stand stripped of their beauty.  Many cabins have been destroyed and the musher's dog kennels burned.  But, out of the ashes the village already is rising once again.  Neighbors have come together to rebuild.  Donations of materials and time are generously given.  The clock is ticking for those who have lost their homes.  Winter is just around the corner and they must get a simple cabin built if they are to survive.  The Alaskan Spirit is hard at work helping all those who have lost their homes.  One man told us that last year his home was burned and the neighbors across the creek helped him rebuild.  This year, their home has burned and he is helping them.  The true meaning of being a good neighbor.