Notable Campgrounds
Although Independence Mine State Historical Park offers no overnight camping within its boundaries, visitors can stay the night at Hipcamps in the region.
- Best for park access: Tomodachi has RV and tent sites near Hatcher Pass and the Independence Mine.
- Best for RVing families: The Dutch Hideaway is a family-friendly RV site near Palmer.
- Best for backpackers: Camping near Hatcher Pass is possible at a number of US Forest Service areas. Trailheads for the Gold Mint and Fishhook trails also have basic first-come, first-served tent camping sites frequently used by backpackers and hikers.
When to Go
Hatcher Pass is a seasonal road on the Willow connecting side, but the trailheads and mine area remain open from the Glenn Highway. Winter conditions can create difficult driving conditions, meaning the pass is most popular during summer when the state park is open: from mid-June to Labor Day. A parking fee is required. The remote nature of this park means it rarely is overrun, but the mine is popular with visitors in the area—arrive early to beat any crowds.
Know Before You Go
- Pets are allowed at Independence Mine but must remain on leash near developed areas.
- While the visitor center is closed in winter, the park remains open for recreation. Snowshoeing, skiing, and sledding are allowed outside of developed areas.
- After completing a self-guided tour, feel free to explore the park's open space. Be cautious of boundaries, however, as private land borders the area.
- Palmer and Wasilla are the closest communities for primary services like groceries and gas. You can find meals at the lodge near the park entrance, but it’s a good idea to arrive prepared.
Independence Mine State Historical Park
Experience the Gold Rush at this well-preserved mine site in the Talkeetna Mountains.
At 761 acres in a high elevation area, Independence Mine is reached by visitors who travel up Hatcher Pass in the famous Mat-Su Valley. Once here, campers can discover the park's huge gold mine and remnants of the great Alaskan Gold Rush. An extensive visitor center and museum are set along trails that follow a self-guided or guided tour through restored structures in the mining camp. The extensive camp actually once merged two gold mines where miles of tunnels were blasted by hundreds of miners who extracted millions in gold. The once mining-rich surrounding region is filled with trails and opportunities to hike, backpack, and watch wildlife.
At 761 acres in a high elevation area, Independence Mine is reached by visitors who travel up Hatcher Pass in the famous Mat-Su Valley. Once here, campers can discover the park's huge gold mine and remnants of the great Alaskan Gold Rush. An extensive visitor center and museum are set along trails that follow a self-guided or guided tour through restored structures in the mining camp. The extensive camp actually once merged two gold mines where miles of tunnels were blasted by hundreds of miners who extracted millions in gold. The once mining-rich surrounding region is filled with trails and opportunities to hike, backpack, and watch wildlife.
Notable Campgrounds
Although Independence Mine State Historical Park offers no overnight camping within its boundaries, visitors can stay the night at Hipcamps in the region.
Notable Campgrounds
Although Independence Mine State Historical Park offers no overnight camping within its boundaries, visitors can stay the night at Hipcamps in the region.
When to Go
Hatcher Pass is a seasonal road on the Willow connecting side, but the trailheads and mine area remain open from the Glenn Highway. Winter conditions can create difficult driving conditions, meaning the pass is most popular during summer when the state park is open: from mid-June to Labor Day. A parking fee is required. The remote nature of this park means it rarely is overrun, but the mine is popular with visitors in the area—arrive early to beat any crowds.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —