Hatcher Pass is an area about 60 miles from Anchorage that was the home to the Independence Gold Mine. This mine operated for over 50 years eventually closing for economic reasons in the 1950s. After visiting the mining operation, I took the 30-mile dirt road over the pass down into the other valley to Willow. Fall was happening so the trees and tundra colors were a hundred shades of gold, yellow, and red.
Independence mine then.
Crystal clear spring-fed river.
Beaver dam lake.
Summit Lake as you go over the top of the pass.
Independence mine today.