Hatcher Pass Road out of Willow
We drove the Hatcher Pass Road yesterday. We went west to east. Had made the trip twice, both times east to west. The east to west route is pretty but no comparison to the magnificent view going ...
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I still had not driven Hatcher Pass Road from the Willow west end...
The occurring times I was in the Susitna Valley always wanting to take the side trip, the road was either washed out and closed, was time constraint, or too early in the season and still closed during May (and the majority of June in which not too often the road could open a little earlier than the 4th of July weekend) as alaskan-rver covered every specific detail upon that posted message.
The east side entrance that coincides with Palmer Fishhook Road starts the unpaved portion at mile 17 and is an immediate 12 percent grade going westbound towards the summit at mile 19 as it levels off a bit but is still a wicked hill for some rigs, as the not recommended for RV's and large vehicles and trailers sign is clearly posted at the intersection however I seen a couple class C RV's on the top of the summit.....What makes this road on the edge is there are no guard rails in place as noted compared to the paved portion of Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road.
Here are a few pics from the area taken in September 2006 :
Mile 17 Hatcher Pass Road (eastbound) on the final stretch to the intersection with Palmer Fishhook Road within the 12 percent grade :
Mile 18 Hatcher Pass Road (eastbound) :
Mile 18 Hatcher Pass Road (westbound) :
Mile 8 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road (northbound) with the fall colors that crosses Little Susitna Bridge (parking area access) :
As you approach mile 13 (northbound) the road starts to climb pretty good and before you know it the tree line already disappears...
Mile 15 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road overlooking the range :
Mile 16 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road :
Last set of pics is at Mile 19 Hatcher Pass Road which is the top of Hatcher Pass Summit (the third highest point in the Alaska road system officially at 3886 ft. as my instruments read higher than that) :
View overlooking Summit Lake :
This area is one of those places with stunning views from every direction as each mile you go you will see more different landscapes (that's why the extra 'few' pictures posted here).
Hatcher Pass has lots of hiking opportunities, also a parachuter's or paraglider's paradise, the history at Independence Mine, along with the wicked terrain and scenery bar none.
As noted, west of the Hatcher Pass Summit (downhill) there are a variety of hairpin turns which I actually seen from the higher view overlooking the summit...spent more hours than I thought I would in this area and did not proceed to go westbound because it was starting to get dark as I had no intention to drive the route to Willow that late in the day while not knowing the portion of the road at hand.
For those visiting while in the Palmer or Wasilla area, this is one of those must see places if you have the chance to.
The occurring times I was in the Susitna Valley always wanting to take the side trip, the road was either washed out and closed, was time constraint, or too early in the season and still closed during May (and the majority of June in which not too often the road could open a little earlier than the 4th of July weekend) as alaskan-rver covered every specific detail upon that posted message.
The east side entrance that coincides with Palmer Fishhook Road starts the unpaved portion at mile 17 and is an immediate 12 percent grade going westbound towards the summit at mile 19 as it levels off a bit but is still a wicked hill for some rigs, as the not recommended for RV's and large vehicles and trailers sign is clearly posted at the intersection however I seen a couple class C RV's on the top of the summit.....What makes this road on the edge is there are no guard rails in place as noted compared to the paved portion of Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road.
Here are a few pics from the area taken in September 2006 :
Mile 17 Hatcher Pass Road (eastbound) on the final stretch to the intersection with Palmer Fishhook Road within the 12 percent grade :
Mile 18 Hatcher Pass Road (eastbound) :
Mile 18 Hatcher Pass Road (westbound) :
Mile 8 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road (northbound) with the fall colors that crosses Little Susitna Bridge (parking area access) :
As you approach mile 13 (northbound) the road starts to climb pretty good and before you know it the tree line already disappears...
Mile 15 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road overlooking the range :
Mile 16 Hatcher Pass-Palmer Fishhook Road :
Last set of pics is at Mile 19 Hatcher Pass Road which is the top of Hatcher Pass Summit (the third highest point in the Alaska road system officially at 3886 ft. as my instruments read higher than that) :
View overlooking Summit Lake :
This area is one of those places with stunning views from every direction as each mile you go you will see more different landscapes (that's why the extra 'few' pictures posted here).
Hatcher Pass has lots of hiking opportunities, also a parachuter's or paraglider's paradise, the history at Independence Mine, along with the wicked terrain and scenery bar none.
As noted, west of the Hatcher Pass Summit (downhill) there are a variety of hairpin turns which I actually seen from the higher view overlooking the summit...spent more hours than I thought I would in this area and did not proceed to go westbound because it was starting to get dark as I had no intention to drive the route to Willow that late in the day while not knowing the portion of the road at hand.
For those visiting while in the Palmer or Wasilla area, this is one of those must see places if you have the chance to.
