Summit Lake: A short, sweet walk in Hatcher Pass
The walk around Summit Lake in Hatcher Pass is really more of a stroll than a hike. But it’s still a great short outing for families with children, those with limited mobility, and picnickers who want to take a short walk and enjoy gorgeous views.
Summit Lake is hike 5 in my guidebook Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska, and the shortest of 13 fantastic day hikes in Hatcher Pass.
| Loop Distance: 0.5 miles | Nearest community: Wasilla/Palmer |
| Elevation gain: 75 feet (if that) | Typical season: July to September |
| Parking fee: No fee | Nearby trails: April Bowl, Skyscraper Peak, Gold Cord Lake, Marmot Mountain, Craigie Creek |
Summit Lake Trailhead Directions
Take Trunk Road north from Wasilla until the road ends in a T intersection. Turn left at the T, which will be signed either for some variety of “Fishhook” road or for Hatcher Pass Road. About 16 miles later, just before the road ends at Independence Mine State Historical Park, make a hairpin left turn onto the rough, unpaved road to Hatcher Pass.
You can’t miss this lake; it’s just to the left of the road, shortly after you’ve crested the pass and started down the far side. Park in the rough pullout that serves as an unmarked trailhead.
Hiking Summit Lake
There really isn’t much to say about this trail, because it is visible, in its entirety, from where you park. Make sure you check out the small viewpoints scattered along the west side of the lake; this tiny little hike has some great views!
I’ve heard rumors that you can scramble up at least one of the slopes here and onto the nearby ridgeline, but I’ve never tried it.
By the way, roadside lakes, trails and picnic areas tend to get trashed by careless people. Please don’t be that type of person; if you packed it in, you can pack it right out with you. Let’s help keep this beautiful, roadside wild place pristine!
Summit Lake vs. April Bowl
Please note: Summit Lake is sometimes confused with the trail up to April Bowl, because one of the lakes in the bowl is sometimes referred to as Summit Lake. But when most people say Summit Lake, they’re referring to this sweet little walk that is just below Hatcher Pass proper, on the Willow side of the mountains. The trail for April Bowl leaves right from the “summit” of the pass itself.
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Lisa Maloney
A long-time Alaskan, Lisa has written three award-winning guidebooks including "Day Hiking Southcentral Alaska" and "50 Hikes Around Anchorage." She also served as senior editor of Alaska magazine and has written hundreds of newspaper columns and magazine articles about her adventures around the state. Learn more about her at http://maloneywrites.com.
