Events
Gold Mint Bird Walk… aka warbler walk
WHO: led by Robin Turk email robineturk@gmailcom, phone or text 9078417398
WHEN: Sunday – May 31 – 8:00 am
WHERE: Meet at parking lot at Little Su Bridge on Palmer Fishhook Road. Gold Mint parking lot requires a Alaska State Parks parking pass, or a $5 parking fee.
HOW: We will gather at the bridge, look for American Dipper, and car pool to bird up the road.
WHAT TO BRING: bird ID app or book, binoculars, scope (there will be a scope or two for people to share), layer your clothes, there WILL be mud. On Sunday May 24 there was still packed snow on the trail that was walkable, but be prepared.
NOTE: There are restroom facilities at that parking lot.
DESCRIPTION: It is 1.5 miles to an old drained beaver pond where we will turn around. While the trail is fairly short the walk usually takes 3-4 hours while we stop for birds along the way.
If you’ve never been to Hatcher Pass, here are the directions:
From Palmer: Take the Glenn Highway north out of Palmer until you reach Palmer-Fishhook Road. Turn left onto Palmer-Fishhook Road and take Palmer-Fishhook Road all the way north to Hatcher Pass.
From Wasilla: From the Parks Highway, turn north onto Main Street which changes to Wasilla-Fishhook Road after you pass the Bogard Road intersection. Stay on Wasilla-Fishhook Road north out of Wasilla and follow it all the way until it intersects with Palmer-Fishhook Road. Turn left onto Palmer-Fishhook and follow it into Hatcher Pass.
From Willow: It’s possible that Hatcher Pass Road (Fishhook-Willow) may be open over the top of Hatcher Pass, but unless you know for sure, it would be safer to drive down to Wasilla and take Wasilla-Fishhook Road.
Bring your binoculars, field guide/app, and a spotting scope (if you have one). You might also want to bring some emergency mosquito dope in case we’re attacked.
Most years, we hike north up the Gold Mint Trail for about a mile and a half to the beaver pond (with Harlequin Ducks) that’s next to the trail. We usually break there (some people bring lunch)
COMPLETED – 2026 Big Day Count
COMPLETED – 2026 Goose Bay State Game Refuge Bird Walk coincides with our Big Day.
Dress for the weather, you will need at least knee high or higher boots, as there will be some spots where the water will be above the top of hiking boots and it is quite muddy along the way. If you have a hiking stick, that may be helpful. The total distance walking will be roughly 1.75 – 2 miles and we’ll be out for about 2-3 hours, or so. Also bring your binoculars, scope, field guide book/app, water, snacks, sun screen, and be ready for a little bit of walking. A lightweight portable chair or stool, one that you’d want to carry a couple miles, can be an added convenience. Usually we don’t need bug dope yet, but bring some just in case.
