For residents of the Matanuska Valley the Hatcher Pass area offers trails for every skill level, from the stroller friendly first 1.5 miles of the Gold Mint trail to the epic Pinnacle Peak. The April Bowl hits the sweet spot of a nice uphill push combined with stunning views. At 2.2 miles round trip and approximately 800 feet of elevation, April Bowl gives you a lot of bang for your buck! I've enjoyed this hike numerous times and have always been awed by the many different colors of the lakes/ponds in contrast to the lush greens of summer or reds of autumn, all with the gray and white of the distant mountains.
TRAIL HEAD
Take the Glenn Highway north of Palmer, turn left onto Palmer-Fishhook Road to Hatcher Pass and continue for 15 miles. Take a left onto the graveled Willow-Fishhook Road (just before the A-Frames). Be aware that Willow-Fishhook is gated shut during the snowy seasons and is often the last road to be opened during the summer. You'll find the trail head is 1.5 miles up the road and on your left.
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| First view of the trail head parking |
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| While looking at this monument the trail head will be at your 8 o'clock. |
TRAIL Now that you are on the trail you will see the obvious switchback up the hill. Please stay ON the trail to minimize erosion! A few spots on this section are a slightly angled sideways, just channel your inner mountain goat and press on. Enjoy the little creek in the gully as you go. Now is a good time to remind youngsters that it is unsafe to throw or roll rocks near a trail where people might be hit.
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| Trail head marker, you can see the trail switchback-ing up the hill. |
Once you crest the main up hill push you will be greeted with this wonderful sight! At this point you can either keep to your left and continue up the ridge to Hatch Peak or explore the April Bowl. You'll be surprised to find a few more little pond and lakes hidden just behind mossy hills.
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| First views of April Bowl. The ridge in the upper background takes you to Hatch Peak. |
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Explore the Bowl to the right hand side and you'll enjoy some wonderful views of the Willow-Fishhook area
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| In April Bowl looking towards the ridge trail that leads to Hatch Peak. |
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| We stopped for snack. Note the ridge trail down the middle, Willow-Fishhook to the left, and Independence Mine area to the right. |
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| Heading back down the ridge from Hatch Peak. We hiked on a Saturday so the trail was quite busy. Remember to yield to the hikers coming UP the trail, they are working harder than you! |
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Almost down. See the April Bowl parking to the right and then Summit Lake to the left.
We moseyed over to Summit Lake to soak our feet and splash a little. While you are rejuvenating enjoy looking towards the April Bowl trail that you just conquered!
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If you have time and the inkling, drive the Willow-Fishhook Road all the down the Willow side. You'll see some mining activity (stay OFF claims!) and more gorgeous views. The road will hit the Parks Highway at mile 71.2 (from Anchorage). Even if you don't do any hiking, this is a great road to drive with out-of-state guests after a stop at Summit Lake.
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