Where to Stay in Alaska: Hatcher Pass Lodge in Palmer

I Gasped When Hatcher Pass Lodge Came into View
I Gasped When Hatcher Pass Lodge Came into View

The A-frame cabin resting above the treeline in the Talkeetna Mountains shook each time I rolled over in my bed. To reach my bed, I climbed a wood ladder to the loft and shared an open room with Lyn, one of my traveling companions during our Alaska adventure this summer. Madge, our third musketeer, opted to sleep on the pull-out futon on the main floor because it was close to the bathroom which housed a chemical toilet. Our first night in Alaska was spent at Hatcher Pass Lodge in Palmer, located a stone’s throw to Independence Mine State Historical Park.

Hatcher Pass Lodge in Independence Valley, Palmer, AK
Hatcher Pass Lodge in Independence Valley, Palmer, AK

Hatcher Pass Lodge Took My Breath Away

Driving the winding road up to Hatcher Pass Lodge, we saw paragliders soaring like eagles in the evening breeze. Our car easily climbed the winding road up beyond the treetops. Turning the corner and spotting five small red cabins on the mountainside, I gasped with excitement.

Hatcher Pass Lodge is the type of Alaska accommodations I envisioned: adorable, rugged and scenic. Looking out my window, I peered down the mountainside absorbing the scenery of a green tapestry sprinkled with hues of red. In the distance I saw a mountain and road with an occasional car. I scanned for wildlife and imagined seeing a bear but my eyes were playing tricks.

View from My Cabin at Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska
View from My Cabin at Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska

Hatcher Pass Lodge Gold Mine Cabin

The name of our cabin was “Gold Mine” which I imagine was paying tribute to the area’s gold mining history and nearby Independence Mine. The cabin could have accommodated five close friends with its two double beds in the loft and pull-out futon on the ground floor. As a party of three, it was important we each had our own bed and this cabin was perfect.

There was a dining area with a table and chairs and the bathroom had a chemical toilet and sink but no running water. Instead, we were supplied with a full jug of water and cups and could bathe in the main lodge which houses a restaurant serving lunch and dinner while overnight guests can have breakfast. Comforts of electricity, towels and bed linens are provided.

Main Lodge of Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska
Main Lodge of Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska

Hatcher Pass Lodge is open year-round and seems like a perfect place for skiing. The main lodge building, which is where visitors check in too, has a welcoming stove to huddle around and bar to sit and chat. Other than bathing, we didn’t spend much time in the main lodge but did take in the view.

The cabin shook when anyone walked or moved, not just when I rolled over in bed. I especially felt it when Madge rolled off the futon in the middle of the night. Accommodations aren’t fancy and at times you wish you had something soft to sleep on like a full size mattress but it’s pretty comfortable. The location and view is incredible, just take a look at the photos.

I booked my accommodations in March for our end of August visit to ensure we had accommodations we wanted and the cost was reasonable, $135 a night.

Ready for Skiing at Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska
Ready for Skiing at Hatcher Pass Lodge, Palmer, Alaska

Attractions near Hatcher Pass Lodge

Hatcher Pass Lodge
Palmer, Alaska 99645
Tel: (907) 745-5897
www.hatcherpasslodge.com

Hatcher Pass Lodge is located about an hour’s drive northeast of Anchorage. Follow signs to the state park.

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Jenn

Jennifer A. Huber is an award-winning travel and outdoor blogger and writer in Southwest Florida. Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., a hiking trail led her to a career path in the tourism industry for more than 30 years. She spent a decade with a park management company in Yellowstone, Death Valley, and Everglades National Parks. She founded the travel blog, SoloTravelGirl.com with the goal of inspiring others to travel alone, not lonely. The unexpected death of her former husband in 2008 reminded her how short life is. His passing was a catalyst for sharing her experiences with the goal of inspiring and empowering others to travel solo. Jennifer holds a Travel Marketing Professional certification from the Southeast Tourism Society, is a certified food judge, member of the NASA Social community, and alum of the FBI Citizens Academy. When not traveling, she is either in the kitchen, practicing her photography skills, or road tripping with her dog, Radcliff.

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