Easiest from Cozihaus on Blodgett Lake
Summit Lake at Hatcher Pass
Summit Lake is a small cirque lake — a tarn left behind by a glacier that once sat among these peaks — right near the top of Hatcher Pass Road. A short, easy trail circles the lake, and a nearby bluff (also a popular paragliding launch) opens up views over the Willow Creek and Susitna valleys. It's a different register from Independence Mine's history or April Bowl's real hiking: Summit Lake is about the alpine scenery itself, reached with very little effort.
Who this suits
Alpine scenery and photography, a short scenic stop rather than a planned hike, families and mixed-ability groups, first-time Hatcher Pass visitors, and pairing with a broader Hatcher Pass day. Not the pick if hiking itself is the goal — see April Bowl for that.
A plan that works
- Treat this as a stop within a Hatcher Pass day, not an all-day destination on its own.
- A natural flow: the drive up Hatcher Pass Road, Summit Lake itself, then Independence Mine or April Bowl depending on time and how the group wants to spend it.
- The loop around the lake and the short walk to the bluff are enough on their own for most visitors — you don't need to add a longer hike to make the stop worthwhile.
- If someone in the group wants a real hike while others are happy with the lake, April Bowl starts from the same general area.
Plan your visit
Drive and timing, honestly
- Summit Lake sits near the top of Hatcher Pass Road, past Independence Mine — access depends on the upper road being open for the season, which varies with snow.
- The paved section of the road ends partway up; the remaining stretch toward Summit Lake is a narrower, rougher gravel road.
- No drive time is stated from either property — none has been measured. Treat it as part of the same Hatcher Pass day as Independence Mine, not a separate trip.
What we won’t promise
- We cannot promise the upper Hatcher Pass road is open on your dates — access is seasonal and depends on snow.
- We cannot promise clear mountain views. Weather and visibility at this elevation change quickly.
- We cannot promise snow-free trail or shoreline conditions — snow can linger at this elevation well into the season.
- We cannot promise easy parking in peak season, or paragliding activity at the bluff.
Practical notes
- The trail around the lake is short and easy — this is a scenic stop, not a hike, though sturdy footwear still helps on the rocky sections.
- The bluff above the lake is a popular paragliding launch site — worth watching for, not something to plan around.
- Bring layers regardless of the forecast in the Valley below — it is exposed and often windy at this elevation.
Part of Hatcher Pass
Hatcher Pass & Independence Mine
Explore the broader Hatcher Pass area — nearby hikes, scenic stops, and current access context.
View Hatcher Pass map →