Hatcher Pass/Independence Mine

The same day I went to Independence Mine, the Independence Mine was a hard rock gold mining operation run by Alaska-Pacific Consolidated Mining Company. It was actively mined from 1938 to 1943 and at its peak in 1941 the mine employed as many as 200 workers. Nearly six million dollars worth of gold was mined from Independence Mine. The mine was ordered to close by the U.S. government because it was considered nonessential to the war effort. Mining began again in 1946 but Independence Mine was closed for good in 1951 when gold mining became an unprofitable venture. The State Historical Park was established in the late 1970's.

The above was a cut-n-paste from here .

 This is the entrance to the mine which is closed off to visitors.  Obviously too dangerous to enter.

 Part of the track system to haul the rock out to be processed.

The building with the red roof was the managers residence and the only building with hot water, a huge fireplace and a lot of other luxuries.  The three story buildings were bunk houses and the group of other buildings to the right included the chow hall, the company store a small apartment building for key people.





The Independence Mine is a interesting an worthwhile stop.  The weather was nice and I wanted to do a little hike while in Hatcher Pass so after leaving the mine I turn off on a dirt road where a sign warns you that RV's and trailers are not recommended past this point.  The road is steep and rocky in spots my F250 had no problems and cars with enough ground clearance can make it too provided they go slow and avoid a few of the larger rocks.

 The beginning of the trail.  These look like a couple mole hills in this picture but it is deceiving because I didn't catch at the time that my white balance needed adjustment.

 This is about two thirds of the way up with the trail head down in that green area below the ponds.

 I was getting some great views of the valley as I approached the summit but as you can see the clouds are moving in.

This is the same rock outcrop as above less then two minutes later.  Great demonstration of how things change quickly in the mountains.  This is why I always have my day pack even on these little hikes.  In my pack I carry matches, knife, sil-nylon tarp, gortex rain suit, food and a fleece pull over.

The altitude right here is just under 4000 feet.