Hatcher Pass Hike!
This past weekend I while producing our next two shows we shot in Kennicott and Wrangell-St.Elias, I reached a point of needing fresh air! I had the right hike in mind! Unfortunately, the Hatcher Pass road over to Summit Lake was still closed, which is usually open early June. Spring is still coming to most areas above 2000 feet, so it’s something you’ll need to consider if you’re hiking this weekend.
Now on with the Hike!
As an alternative hike and there’s plenty to be had in Hatcher Pass, I decided to take a hike up in an area that I’ve not visited in well over 15 years! Like I said in the video, most people stop at the top of the first hill, which is great because it’s obtainable for anyone! Venturing further back should be nothing to fear at all… It’s all very easy and flat. Those of you in shape, you’ll be tempted as I was to spend the day exploring the higher ridges and peaks!
There’s no doubt in my mind that I’m going to return this summer again, and probably make a camping an overnight out of the adventure. Care to join?!
Park Fee: Free Parking (before the park fee entrance)
Hiking Time: Open to your pace and choice destination.
Elevation: Starting 3110 feet to Summit 4038 feet
That’s a Hike!
Question for the Hike of the Week viewers:
How many of you would enjoy doing a monthly meetup hike? I’m also considering potential 2 day trip I have in mind. Let me know!
See our other hikes at: www.alaskapodshow.com/hikeoftheweek
July 5th, 2008 at 4:44 am
At 4 mins. 9 secs. into the Hatcher Pass hike, you show a peak with a flag flying (maybe on top of a building hidden behind the ridge). What is there? The building.
July 5th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
I’ve either been blind all these years or it’s something new. I saw some people summit that peak while I was hiking. As far as I could see they were standing next to the flag and did not notice an old building.
As I said, from that hike there were 3 switchbacks up to different areas of the ridge and to several peaks. There was still a lot of snow, so I there could be more trails up to the top. I’m definitely planning to go back and spend a day peak hopping - We’ll see what’s near that flag.
Good question though…
Scott
July 5th, 2008 at 5:44 pm
Hi Scott,
So enjoyed going along with you for the hike in Hatcher’s Pass! Thanks!
Dr. Beverly Beeton (Alaskan historian) sent me the link – along with this note below:
“It is a recent video of a hike in the area of the Gold Mint Mine in the Talkeetna Mountains–in the Hatcher Pass area–where Cornelia and Robert Lee Hatcher mined in 1919-22. This would be the area that your Mother, Cornelia, visited in 1922.”
According to Beverly, the Gold Mint Mine is now called the Lonesome. Cornelia Hatcher is my great grandmother. She was an amateur photographer who took many photos of the area of your hike and of the Gold Mint Mine. She and her daughter – my grandmother – Hazel Jewett Phelps preserved her Alaskan photos and other documents in three scrapbooks.
The Hatchers commissioned Sidney Laurence (Alaskan painter) to do an oil painting from one of those photos – the Gold Mint Mine relay camp in winter. I inherited that painting from my mother, Cornelia Phelps Pruett. That painting will be on loan to the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center for an exhibit next year - including the original photo and other documents.
Beverly and I are currently collaborating with the Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center to have the scrapbooks archived by the Museum. I have donated the scrapbooks to the Museum and the photos and documents will be made publicly available via photocopies and digitized photos.
Beverly and I are also creating a website to document the research process she has followed to date in developing the Hatcher history – as well as other of her Alaskan projects. I would love to place an embedded version of your Hatcher Pass hike on our website – as well as a link to your website – if you are agreeable.
I also have photos of these scrapbooks, the Laurence painting, and another painting of a Hatcher Pass scene. My mother Cornelia was also a painter. In her later years she made a painting of herself from a photo taken by Cornelia Hatcher during her summer visit in 1922. She is holding a small bunch of wildflowers. If you are interested in seeing these photos before I get them uploaded to the website, please let me know.
Thanks again,
Robin
July 5th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Robin -
Absolutely! The flash version of our shows are available for anyone to share on their website or with others as long as credits remain in place. I’ve got some questions and ideas, so I’ll be emailing you soon.
I’ve played in Hatcher Pass since my childhood, way back before park had a paved road, fees, and cabin’s up high were respected by the public enough to leave historical items.
Thanks for sharing!
cheers,
Scott
July 9th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
Hi from Tennessee. Im glad I found your vidcast through miro. I am going to have to get caught up on your episodes. One of these days I will make it up there!
Steve