May 04, 2017
A Four Mile Round Trip Hike With Picturesque Views - Lane Hut
Lane Hut - A Trail Everyone in the Family Can Enjoy
by Diane Rose
Our family moved from Palmer, Alaska, to a neighborhood near the entrance to Hatcher Pass when I was 11 years old. I consider these mountains, valleys and trails my backyard and have had many adventures in this area rich with mining history and artifacts. Here's a quick look of the hike to Lane Hut in Hatcher Pass.
The road leading to the trail head to Lane Hut. | Credit: Cecil Sanders
Archangel Creek along the Archangel Road | Credit: Cecil Sanders Lane Hut Trail: At the end of the Archangel Road, there are multiple trails to explore—Fairangel Lakes Trail to the right and the short Fern Mine straight ahead. On this particular day, we were looking for Lane Hut. It is an easy hike, only four miles round trip. Reaching the parking lot at the end of Archangel Road can take a while as the road is rough; a truck or other high clearance vehicle is recommended to reach this area. The path to the hut skirts the Fern Mine and climbs gradually up to the valley beyond. It winds past small ponds and creeks so clear they reflect the blue sky and clouds and magnify their blue green depths simultaneously. The jagged rocky gray mountains rise sharply on both sides of this relatively flat valley. The birds and ground squirrels were busy in the sun and our terrier got her exercise trying to make friends with all of them!
The trail to Lane Hut in Hatcher Pass. | Credit: David Rose Soon more mining relics began to appear and the hut could be seen at the end of the valley. The hut itself is often used for weekend parties and as a shelter for campers, and it is strewn with remnants of this use. Its walls are a guestbook of sorts. We concluded we would prefer a tent. Looking down the valley, the views from the hut site are striking, and the climb beyond the hut looks intriguing. This hike can be extended with a climb over two passes to the Snowbird Glacier overlook, but we have not attempted that yet. On the return, we stopped at some of the many sandbars along the creek to sit in the sun and enjoy the views. We saw other groups playing and even swimming in the water. This hike is a good family day activity.
Lane Hut in Hatcher Pass | Credit: Cecil Sanders
A look inside of Lane Hut | Credit: Cecil SandersIf you are looking for great food to fuel your hiking adventures we recommend checking out the Alaskan company Heather's Choice. Type in 'THEALASKALIFE' discount code at checkout for 10% off your order. Great food options for your outdoor trips or emergency prep. Everything is Paleo, Dairy Free, Gluten Free and Soy Free, but still tasty and nutritious.
Heather's Choice PackaroonsLooking for more hiking ideas? Read these articles! Craigie Creek Adventure in Alaska's Backcountry Flattop Mountain - Scenic Alaska Adventure Amazing Denali View from Gold Bullion Mine A Day Exploring Prince of Wales Island
Take a look at these great articles by The Alaska Life - Hop on The Alaska Life’s treasured tiny towns road trip and be led through the most spectacular amounts of scenery. Also, check out these Alaska ghost towns that you’ve probably never heard of.
3 comments
Unfortunately, it has been removed more recently.
Cecil
April 17, 2021
I believe the hut is gone… Either that or we managed to completely miss it. We saw much evidence of partying but no hut
Ben
April 17, 2021
Thank you for sharing! On my list! I was hoping to see a map as well.
Alexis
April 17, 2021