Prepare for a whole day of great hiking in the 761 Acres that make up one of Alaska's greatest destinations, Independence Mine State Park. Located in one of Alaska's most scenic mountain passes, Independence Mine has received two thumbs up from everyone we have spoken to after they return from this park.

 

Independence Mine State Park

Independence Mine is a historic Alaska gold mine with loads of well preserved artifacts and a walking tour that takes you back to gold rush days in Alaska.

Enter into a simulated hard rock mining tunnel and feel the experience first hand of working underground like the miners of learn what is was like to live and work in one of Alaska's largest gold mining camps. This is one of those areas where a self-guided interpretive tour is available. This tour will take you through the mine and the mining camp. A well maintained path is available as well as some hiking trails that are light to strenuous in exertion.

Park Hours: Hours are 11am to 6pm, 7 days a week.  There is a small, currently $5.00 day use parking fee. The visitor center at the park will be closed during the winter following the Labor Day weekend.

Campgrounds near Independence Mine

First off, be advised that there is No Overnight Camping available at Independence Mine State Park; but there is limited primative camping fairly close by. We see people camping along Hatcher Pass Road but have never actually looked to see if it's legal. Campgrounds close to Independence Mine include:

From Palmer on the east;

• Gold Mint Trailhead - Mile 13.7 Hatcher Pass Road; Palmer Alaska - Dry Camping
• Government Peak - Mile 11 Hatcher Pass Road; Palmer Alaska - Dry Camping
• Matanuska River Park & Campground in Palmer; 907-745-9690 - City Park with Services
• Town and Country RV Park - 1150 Town and Country Lane; Palmer Alaska; 907-746-6642
• Mt. View R.V. Park - 1405 North Smith Road; Palmer Alaska; 907-745-5747
• Kepler Park - Mile 37.4 Glenn Highway; Palmer Alaska; 907-745-0429
• Kepler Lake Campground - 37.4 Glenn Highway; Palmer Alaska; 907-745-0429

From Wasilla on the west;

• Riverside Camper Park - 57.7 Parks Highway; Houston, Alaska; 907-892-9020
• Lake Lucille Campground - Mile 2.2 Knik Goose Bay Road; Wasilla Alaska; 907-373-9010
• Three Bears RV Park - 445 North Pittman Road; Wasilla Alaska; ‎907-357-4307

Activities:

• Hatcher Pass Road
• In August blueberries can be found throughout the area.
• Camping
• Skiing
• Snow machining
• Trails

Hatchers Pass Lodging

Hatcher Pass Lodge located at milepost 17 of Palmer-Fishhook Road, Palmer, Alaska

• lodge open to the public
• excellent home made food at the lodge
• 9 cabins available

Mother Lode Lodge located at milepost 14 Palmer-Fishhook Road, Palmer, Alaska

• unfortunately the Mother Lode Lodge has been closed sense 2009 and is up for sale