If you have an afternoon and you like to adventure, Gold Cord Lake is a stunning alpine lake in the Hatcher Pass mountains. An easy hike takes you to a spot with endless panoramic views and a crystal clear lake. Explore this beautiful area and you won’t be disappointed!
Gold Cord Lake is located in Hatcher Pass, about a 90 minute drive from Anchorage.
Liza Then / AllTrails The lake rests in the stunning Talkeetna Mountains in Palmer, Alaska. This area is situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. A short but beautiful winding road leads you up to the parking lot of Independence Mine State Park.
The lake is accessible through the Gold Cord Lake Trail.
Tayler Bigalike / AllTrails The trail is an easy 1.5 mile out and back trail that winds up above Independence Mine. As it’s easy and accessible for many skill levels, the whole family can enjoy this outing!
You’ll climb a nice 482 feet of elevation gain before reaching this crystal clear alpine lake.
Kimberly Ward / AllTrails The trail is straightforward and easy until you come upon a boulder field. After navigating through that you’ll experience a couple of switchbacks before you reach your destination!
The lake offers breathtaking views of the mountain peaks in front of you and the valley below.
Liza Then / AllTrails It’s the perfect example of a typical alpine lake in Alaska with gorgeous emerald colored clear waters, and sitting surrounded by jagged peaks. Make sure to take a picnic so you can relax and take in the views!
The glacial water in this lake is very cold, and can numb your feet fairly quickly!
Brianna Hurt / AllTrails Nevertheless, you’ll probably see swimmers or waders during hot days in the summer months. It’s hard to resist a dip in water as clear and beautiful as this!
This area is at 4,500 feet above sea level, so even in the summer you may find snow!
Liza Then / AllTrails Dress in plenty of layers, as the weather can change very quickly. You’ll want good sturdy shoes to navigate the loose rocks on the trail and around the boulders.
Hiking out to this lake is the most fun from June through September.
Beth Ito / AllTrails During the winter months it’s covered in snow. You may be able to still get great views of the lake during the shoulder months of June and October, however!
Have you hiked out to Gold Cord Lake? What did you think? Would you do it again? Let us know in the comments below!
Liza Then / AllTrails
The lake rests in the stunning Talkeetna Mountains in Palmer, Alaska. This area is situated in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley. A short but beautiful winding road leads you up to the parking lot of Independence Mine State Park.
Tayler Bigalike / AllTrails
The trail is an easy 1.5 mile out and back trail that winds up above Independence Mine. As it’s easy and accessible for many skill levels, the whole family can enjoy this outing!
Kimberly Ward / AllTrails
The trail is straightforward and easy until you come upon a boulder field. After navigating through that you’ll experience a couple of switchbacks before you reach your destination!
It’s the perfect example of a typical alpine lake in Alaska with gorgeous emerald colored clear waters, and sitting surrounded by jagged peaks. Make sure to take a picnic so you can relax and take in the views!
Brianna Hurt / AllTrails
Nevertheless, you’ll probably see swimmers or waders during hot days in the summer months. It’s hard to resist a dip in water as clear and beautiful as this!
Dress in plenty of layers, as the weather can change very quickly. You’ll want good sturdy shoes to navigate the loose rocks on the trail and around the boulders.
Beth Ito / AllTrails
During the winter months it’s covered in snow. You may be able to still get great views of the lake during the shoulder months of June and October, however!
If you’re out in Hatcher Pass, fill up on The Pizza At This Family Restaurant In Alaska That Is Too Delicious To Pass Up!
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Address: Palmer, AK 99645, USA
