One of my favorite places. The views are amazing. If you decide to go in the summertime I highly recommend taking the road from the Willow side and driving all the way through to Wasilla. Be sure to check and see when the gates are open for this because they are closed due to winter road conditions at certain times of the year.

Very cool place to visit!!! Lots of history, and fun things to see. Tours where closed when we were there (covid related) but was still neat to self tour, read the informative signs, and hike around the property!! My 10yr old son and i had a good time there for sure!Thank you to the park ranger making his normal rounds who gave us some inside info and almost a private tour albeit on the outside of a few building, he said he was one of the tour guides when they were doing tours, and gave us some info that we wouldnt have known otherwise!

One of the best little trips weve made. The hike up is strenuous but not overly so for the average fit individual. The park costs $5 at the station fee. Only a few buildings can be entered but, I highly recommend. The view is fantastic.

Great piece of history here. One can learn a lot of new thing about gold mining and hard manual labor of just 80 years ago. Also is interesting how gold jumped from $35 to $2050 and dollar denominated!

This an amazing place to go. You cant visit the actual mine during fall or winter months, but there is still a lot of places to explore. Take a camera.

Beautiful, historical, place to visit. Loved everything part of it. Will definitely go back.

Breath-taking hike! Pretty easy to do. The views are amazing! Bring water if you want, but its pretty easy, even to the end of the trail. Some slippery spots, but not bad. Often raining or snowing so bring layers.

So beautiful we took the Gold cord lake trail. Hiked it carrying a seven month old in a front pack my eighteen year old carried the two year old in a backpack, the 4,6,8,10 and 12 year old kids walked it... great inexpensive fun for this large family! Highly recommend!

Pretty neat to visit the old mining site. I wish we could have gone inside some of the buildings, but it was still fun to see from the outside.

After living 5 years in Alaska, finally decided to give it a try... and it was the most rewarding experience. Stunning views, peaceful atmosphere, great trails and easy to get there.Just remember, do it at your pace and youll enjoy it!

Im rating this five stars, because if youre a visitor to Alaska, it pays to know the history. This state is pretty harsh: especially the further north you go. But just about 100 years ago a group of individuals seeking fortune and fame came to this inhospital place and claimed whomever was not able to bare it. This mine is a great example of the history of people seeking riches in Alaska. Situated in a hostile mountain environment, most of the original structures are still there. A great many are deteriorating with time but you can still see what their purpose was. To come and live in the middle of nowhere hoping to get rich is pretty crazy, but this place shows how some determined or stubborn people came and found the only thing worth finding in Alaska: gold. Pretty neat site to check out nestled in the mountains. Now for my gripe: it costs $5 to park at the location and $3 per person to enter the park. Everything one will reference will tell you thats its only $5, but its total BS. But the fees go to good cause and its still worth it to see the mine. If youre visiting, definitely check it out. If youre an Alaskan local, you need to know your history and stop by as well. After the mine, head to Palmer and check out some of the local breweries. Gold mines and beer are a perfect combination.

Very interesting place to see. They allow people to walk through the different buildings in the morning camp which give a glimpse of how things were back in that era.

This place is just amazing. Old buildings all have great signage of descriptions. All the walking trails are well groomed. My boys and I enjoy every trip we take there. They never want to leave.

First time visiting a gold mine. We arrived 15 minutes after the gate closed, however we were still allowed to walk up to the gold mine area (just under a mile). It was slightly uphill but worth it. Walking into the mine entrance, above the waterfall, it was instantly freezing cold, so much so, you could see your breath. I wished I had arrived earlier, missed the gift shop in one of the historic buildings. There were bathrooms available and various trails we could continue on. After returning to our car, a local mentioned a trail to the right of the mine town that led to a gorgeous lake. I wished I had run into her before we decided to head back. It was a great experience and with the signs, learned a lot.

Independence Mine State Historical Park is a fascinating place if you love history. The site still has most of the original buildings and has signs explaining each one. It was very fun to walk around and read each sign and go into the buildings. (You cant go into all of them, but you can go into several.)

Interesting piece of Alaska history. Easy trails and the lake was great to wade in and cool off.

Love this place. Was worth the $3 to park closer to the visitor center. Enjoyed the opportunity to learn about the Flora in this area. My kids enjoyed exploring the buildings and trails.

This place has some of the best views in Alaska.The history there is pretty awesome tooI would recommend everyone go here if you want great pictures of mountains.My boyfriend was bummed we found out as we were heading out that you can pan for gold thereWe will have to do that next time

Took a breathtaking hike.... literally up the mountain in the winter while this was covered in snow. It was absolutely gorgeous and the air was super clean and fresh. I wish I couldve made the hike all the way to the top to see the fold mine but in the Winter the hike was very long and steep and cold.

Beautiful right now, fireweed really out doing itself this year. Very interesting history. Bring your camera. Images everywhere you turn.Bring long sleeves no matter how warm you think it is going to be.

Great place with amazing views! Theyve done a great job in keeping a few of the buildings up and letting nature decide on some of the others. Breathtaking views all around with some amazing hikes to go on as well

Beautiful views, wonderful place to hike. Be careful and stay on the trails if youre not familiar with the area. Some steep slopes so take your time and take lots of pictures! Worth the view to drive up to the summit and peek in on Willow if youre game...

Gorgeous views! Always love going there, any time of year!

I’m very reluctant to write this review. The Independence Mine/Hatcher Pass area is a “locals” place to play. I don’t want to be responsible for giving away any state secrets. With that said, this area is one of my favorite places on the planet (not that I’ve been to many places mind you). It is natural beauty on overdrive. A vast expanse of trails and opportunities for pretty much all outdoor enthusiasts, during any season. The Independence Mine area is an interesting place to visit for all ages. The park staff extremely knowledgeable and very helpful. While some of the hiking can be challenging, there are walks for all to enjoy. Dogs are welcome too! Hatcher Pass Lodge is another reason to visit...see my review of their establishment for more details.

I enjoyed walking around the old mining village. Great views and some rooms restored to how they would have been. Only thing that would have made it better is if some real hiking trails departed from this locations large parking lot since you have to pay $5 to get in. Unfortunately you need to drive elsewhere to get to hiking trails or walk on roads to get to them, which I dont care for.

This is one of the best places to visit when in Alaska. Aside from a planned activity like snowboarding, paragliding, skiing and biking, which are great, you can also do a large variety of other activities like hiking, exploring, berry picking and just take in the beautiful Alaska mountains with a little experience of how it was to be a miner from the 1930s and 1940s. There is not much wildlife but it is there. I like to make this a half to a whole day event so bring some snacks or lunch. The dogs love love this trip also.

Amazing views! Clean air, great sun and good historical site of old gold mine.

Took family to this neat half hike-half history experience. Great photo ops everywhere. Feel like you were a part of the past while there.

The mine site was pretty cool. It looks line a ghost town. Great historical plaques full of information. Great hiking and spectacular views. Bring your gold pan and pan for gold. It is allowed.

Amazing spot to check out while visiting Alaska. This was my second time there and I still learned new facts.Educational postings outside of the historically preserved buildings and objects are fun for the whole family. Great spot for pups as well while hiking the many offered trails throughout the area.Tip- Make sure to pack hiking boots so that all trails are accessible even if theres still partial snow cover. All the main walks through the mining village are paved/packed dirt so tennis shoes work if youre sticking to the main walkways.

I was breath taken beautiful beyond belief a must go and see if your ever up this way in Alaska

If you love history or even if you dont this is a must visit. Not only are there historical buildings bit there are several great hikes you can go on. I loved all the artifacts and stories of families that lived there. Great for all ages and abilities.

Great history and views, super creepy at night.

Amazing! Grab your walking shoes or hicking boots and spend a few hours exploring this great place.

Always a great visit and hike at the mine. Even a little rain cant take the fun out of exploring the ruins.

Absolutely incredible place. Trails near the mine are well maintained with only a few really rugged areas. My favorite part was probably the old mine train or possibly the water tunnel. Great place to get away from it all.

I took my four year old son on a hike around hatchers pass. They opened up more buildings to the public. It was nice to stop and get some snacks and drinks after the hike. And see all the work people have done. The staff was very nice there.

The mine was located in the Hatchers Pass and is situated in a beautiful area. The remaining buildings are preserved and provide a neat look back into the 40s. There are quite a few fallen buildings, which you have to expect given their age. Interesting history and place to visit.

I love going here with my family especially during blueberry season.

No better place to hike than Alaska. This is a great place to hike for all ages. The main paths are paved. There are also many unpaved trails that are manageable for kids. I walked a loop over two small bridges with a two year old.From a history stand point, there are many signs describing life at the mine. The mine managers house is now a museum.Multiple restroom locations. Parking is close to the museum. There is a fee to drive up the road to the museum. We

This place is not only a window into the past but its also a nice spot with beautiful scenery.

Very interesting with plenty of signs and explanations.

Cost 5$ a car 3 per person interesting history mining town awesome views

One of my favorite hikes in Alaska. This mine offers history and hikes for all levels including families with children. Im from Palmer, and this is a must see for anyone coming to visit me from the lower 48. Season is Memorial Day - Labor Day weekend to park at the visitor center. However, you can park and walk up to the mine anytime. Great place to cross country ski and snow machine also in the winter.

Great view from Gold Cord Lake! Recommend hiking the trail first, then relax as you view the mine.

Great place to visit. Park is still being renovated and will be a great tour spot in the future.

A very interesting historical site with great trails and spectacular views!

Great place for the family and people of all ages and abilities!

I love going on this hike! The view is incredible from the top of the trail!!

Some reconstructed buildings, some refurbished, and some left in decay. This decommissioned mine a short drive from Palmer is an excellent destination for anyone interested in history or beautiful vistas. A visitor center, lodge, campground, hiking trails, and gift shop all run during the summer months.

I just like to say You will love it. Just get out there.

Five dollars each vehicle. Very interesting mine. Beautiful setting! Picked fresh blueberries. Would definitely go back.

Gorgeous scenery, room to walk/hike around, decent bathrooms.

Beautiful setting, old historic buildings and some hiking trails.

Signs up to inform you if the way of life. Gorgeous back ground and scenery fair parking price

Awesome place to visit. So informative and the trails are nicely kept.

Excellant place to hike and learn local history

My favorite place in the whole world. Beautiful hiking, great piece of Alaskan history!

Pictures dont do this place justice. Its amazing and so beautiful

Great area to visit. So much history and lots of area to explore.

This mining district in Hatcher pass is beautiful whatever the season. Plan to bring a lunch, bug spray, rain jacket, well bring gear! There is a fair amount of hiking and exploring to do. Bring water and cash , you need cash for parking. The views are priceless. You will not be disappointed.

Moments after the hike, the pure glacier water we found on the top of the mountains. Every rock and every drop of water was so pure that reminded us that we as humans have to contribute a lot to this planet in keeping us safe. Live and let the planet live!

Beautiful area and fun to learn about history.

Very exciting lots to see. Im glad I did the drive.

The excellent ski slope! Perfect sightsee view and a lot of snow in November! Great day!

Beautiful area. Very interesting. Explore the small museum. They have snacks, drinks, and water. They have books to purchase. There are nice bathroons in the visitor center. Hiking you to the old mine. 20 Mile drive from the area is very scenic and takes you to the highest point.

Cool place to walk hike and see old things

Short drive from Palmer. Beautiful views and a bit of history.

Beautiful place. Lots of open hiking and historical things to look at. The only problem is they recently got greedy with the parking prices. You either pay 5 bucks to park, and then walk a mile up a road, or you drive up to the park and pay nearly 100 dollars for parking.

Awesome place!!! If you love history it will be very interesting to you and 8f you love beautiful views come too! Make sure you make the trek up to the top of the mine and go into the little tunnel....there is a little surprise for you!!

Amazing and beautiful. This lace is a must see if your in Alaska.

It was a great day trip from Palmer, Alaska. The only drawback was the dog poop that dog owners did not pick up. The photos are from late June.

The walk up the mine loop was a good hike with the snow..very interesting place.highly recommend

Hatcher Pass is lovely--particularly in the summer when the blueberries are ripe--and sometimes youll see paragliders. The mine is a great destination along one of the prettiest drives close to Anchorage. Hiking to Gold Cord Lake from the parking lot is a fun and pleasant hike, easy enough for kids.

A scenic drive into the mountains reveals a piece of Alaskas true past. The ruins of a traditional sourdough goldmine is here, preserved for all to see and experience. You might even find some gold. The tours of the mineshafts are amazing!

Beautiful! Love Independence Mine and Hatchers Pass!

If you think your work environment is tough, a visit to this abandoned mine will change that. Great history lesson mingled with an exhilarating hike and some delicious blueberry picking!

Interesting place to visit. Lots of history. Great views. Nice hike

Stunning. Such a calming place and you get you learn some Gold Rush history while youre there. Love that you can go into some of the old mine cabins and see the equipment and even go into the mine entrance!

Trails are groomed and sky was blue.

Great trails and historic site. Really great views.

Definitely worth the drive!

Independence Mine is a very interesting part of US and Alaska history. The mine site is an easy hike with both a paved trail, a gravel trail, and many well worn trails. Strollers, and wheelchairs are ok to take on he paved trail but you will be pushing good at several places. The surrounding area has many more trails for great hiking of various difficulty. It is also a great spot in the winter for snowmobiling and cross country skiing.

Very pretty scenery, interesting historical buildings and artifacts. Shop with food and gifts. trails to walk as well. Friendly staff.

Incredible views, interesting history, worthwhile way to spend a few hours.

Great hiking and other family friendly activities

If you come to this park you need to hike up to the lake on the mountain. The hike can be a little challenging but 100% worth it. This is the most beautiful place I have seen on God’s green earth. The mine is cool but not as informative as I would appreciate. There is limited access and also limited historical information. There are signs with info but they seem more generic and not to immersive into the mining life.

Was a very interesting place to visit

Easy and scenic drive from Anchorage. Lots to see and explore. Trails to the higher buildings are moderately rugged but still navigable by children. Some paved areas near the lower buildings are easy for strollers and wheelchairs. Dog-friendly.

I mean. Gold mines! Amazing

I love this place no matter what time of year it is! When its off season you have tobwalk in from the gate and walk in which is cool too because you get to see parky squirrels and marmots along the road. In the summertime its cool to explore and take pictures in the old mine carts and walk through the little house. Its crazy to think that this was once a bustling town and now its one of the most peaceful places on Earth.

Is great history and you can hike all day and pick blue berries

Amazing sites and great walk through history. Fun times for the whole family and a great way to spend time outdoors.

Was a very interesting look back on history. Family really enjoy the day even though it rained some. May things to see an look at. A memory Ill never forget

Awesome day trip with spectacular view and great hiking trails.

Great place to day hike

Great day trip for the family!

The best panorama of mountain ranges with road access.

Wonderful visit! You could spend a couple of hours here exploring this beautiful park! You could bring the whole family! Unfortunately did not get to go inside because everything was closed for the season! Still worth looking around!

Love this place never a boring moment when my wife and i go up to look around.