This week, there's been a light dusting of snow in Hatcher Pass, but there is still time to enjoy a tour of the mine and try your luck at panning for gold.
The road over the pass that connects Independence Mine to Willow was closed earlier this week by Alaska State Parks for the winter due to deteriorating road conditions, but Salmon Berry Tours will be operating daily tours of Independence Mine through the end of September.
Salmon Berry has been the concessionaire at Independence Mine for the last two summers and have been offering daily tours, gold panning demonstrations and a small gift and snack shop. They announced they will continue to operate through the end of the month despite the road being closed.
Take a fall trip to Hatcher Pass and enjoy a late-season hike and the beautiful fall colors on the way up!