We drove from Willow to Palmer following a loop through Hatcher Pass. It is a beautiful road trip that can be completed in one day including a stop at Independence Mine State Historical Park.

Hatcher Pass is a mountain pass through the southwest part of the Talkeetna Mountains, Alaska. It is named after Robert Hatcher, a prospector and miner. The nearest cities are Palmer and Wasilla approximately 12 miles to the south, and Willow approximately 26 mi to the west.