Hatcher Pass Lodge - Palmer

What a gem on an awesome mountainside valley! Super fun and funky vibe! One of the best sandwiches we have had in AK! Real carved turkey! The hostess/waitress asked if we were going to split our 1 sandwich between the 2 of us. We said yes, and lo and behold, when she brought ours out, she had put half on each plate but also given each of us our own pickles, chips and potatoe salad! Now that is super service!!! The potatoe salad was to die for, loaded with taste and extra veggies like olives, pimento etc. Very tasty! There was a live band playing when we were there for a late lunch. They were fun, though not the best, but the whole vibe in the restaurant was totally friendly and fun. We did not stay in the cabin lodgings as we are RVing and just came to the Pass and to tour the mine for the day. But we are so glad we stopped here to eat! We honestly were not sure what to expect from the outside.

If you have ever wondered about those cute little red cabins on the right side of the road, just before the actual Hatcher Pass Road, those are the lodge and cabins. Jeff, Cat, and the rest of the staff are some of the warmest and most welcoming people you will ever meet. There is live music every Saturday from 4-7, kids running and dancing, dogs hanging out, plenty of beer, coffee, tea, and sodas; and delicious food to fill your belly after a long day of adventuring in one of the most beautiful places in the state. If you'd like to stay the night, the cabins are absolutely adorable and so cozy! You may have to use a composting toilet, but don't let that scare you! They do an excellent job of keeping their spaces clean and warm for guests. The cherry on top is the sauna down the hill, sitting on top of the creek that runs behind the lodge. You will feel every muscle in your body relax and melt into the benches. When you start to really feel like mush, head out the back door and take a quick dip in the creek (yes, even in the winter ! The shock from the cold water adds to the experience, and you can do it as many times as you want during your session. All in all, whether it's just for a quick drink before heading down the hill, or whether you're crashing for the night, Hatcher Pass Lodge is where you want to go for a truly magical experience. Make sure you also give bar manager Loki lots of pets and ear scratches :

This is the most delightful and welcoming place I have ever visited! Jeff is exceptionally kind and accommodating. It's a fantastic location to appreciate the mountains, enjoy some homemade meals, and discover the area. I highly recommend it to everyone—absolutely a 1000 out of 10!

This is a wonderful place to enjoy a meal while visiting the mine. The rustic decor adds to the experience and connects you to the environment. The food may not be extravagant, but it certainly offers a comforting atmosphere. A warm bowl of soup was just what we needed on that foggy day.

This place is a wonderful escape! The cabins have a rustic charm and come equipped with just a water jug and an RV-style toilet in the bathroom, but don't let that put you off. The main lodge features regular sinks and bathrooms for your convenience. I hope you get lucky with the weather during your visit; in winter, there's a great chance to see the awe-inspiring northern lights, and in summer, the views are absolutely gorgeous. Overall, this is truly a unique destination that you won't want to miss.