Hatcher Pass Road from Willow north of Anchrage

Hatcher Pass is a very scenic drive which we could not travel across on June 28th due to snow on the roads. The road was due to open July 1st. We returned on July 24th and found the road to be worth the wait. We traveled along the valley between mountains, through the tundra and enjoyed seeing colorful wildflowers. The snow you see atop these mountains the weather forecaster in Anchorage just the night before had advised was falling, referred to as "termination dust". So, we took it to mean, perhaps, "termination" of summer--winter is coming soon.

This adorable Arctic Ground Squirrel begged to have his picture taken.

A tromp across the tundra brought rewards in
the form of this great vista view.

These Arctic Squirrels has very sharp looking nails. He looks cute, but I wouldn't want to tangle with him.

The Park Service was busy digging a new hiking trail up the mountain. Hatcher Pass is known by the locals as a year-round favorite recreation spot.

There are soooo many beautiful waterfalls through out Alaska. Not sure I'll ever find the "perfect" waterfall.

This was the only large pond we found on the Hatcher Pass Drive and it was a nice surprise.

Hillsides are alive with many color wildflowers.

A little "termination dust" at the top of the mountain and if this tall pack of snow was here in the middle of July, then we have to believe the road did still have snow on it the last of June.

YaHoo! A Yellow/Coastal Paint Brush.

Is winter very far away when you get termination dust on the mountains in July? Speaks to how wet and hold the "summer" has been.

You have to keep a close watch on the roads also in order to see the little critters dashing across in front of you.

Yep! Gold mining is still viable in Alaska. Of course, the big hauls of the long ago days no longer occurs, but there is money to be made.

This group is not only camping but look closer and they are panning for gold. What a fun way to spend the weekend. Many streams in AK are open for the amateur panner.

Arctic Cotton Grass prefers to grow where the roots are kept damp. The "flower" really does feel like a normal cotton ball and pulls apart like one.









Arctic Willow

The Hatcher Pass Drive was diverse from the snow covered mountains through the tundra of wildflowers, into the woods of birch, willows and pine to the fast flowing streams. The drive was one of the most unexpected and delightful we have taken; and it hides in the middle of Alaska between Willow and Palmer-north of Anchorage.

BBYN, Karen and Don