Spring Hatcher Pass Elopement: Snowmelt in Alaska

What “The Melt” Season Looks Like for Hatcher Pass Elopements

Spring Hatcher Pass elopements are an underrated experience. Many hear “The Melt” as something ominous, but this transitional season brings along stunning, unique views. Enjoy the pass while it’s a winter wonderland without the below zero temps. See as the snowmelt brings rushing creeks and waterfalls in the lower elevations. Enjoy more privacy from reduced crowds. It’s an incredible season for an elopement, and one that may be the right fit for you!

Table of Contents

• Spring Elopement Expectations
• Why Couples Elope in the Spring
• Is the Spring Right for You?
• Planning a Hatcher Pass Elopement

Expectations for a Spring Hatcher Pass Elopement

Paying attention to the weather and road conditions is very important for a spring Hatcher Pass elopement. Fishhook Rd to the summit is blocked off in the spring. However, the lower areas like the lodge are [usually] open to vehicles. It’s advised to have an AWD/4WD vehicle with snow tires when visiting in the spring, especially earlier in the season. It’s also important to note that sections of the main road to areas like the lodge and Gold Mint Trail can sometimes be closed due to heavy snow and avalanche concerns. Otherwise the main road is generally plowed to keep the pass open to visitors. You can check local DOT updates for road closures.

This elopement editorial I photographed was done in late May, days away from June. You can see how impactful the higher altitudes are and how long it can take snow to melt when you’re nearly in the clouds. It’s surreal to see the drastic difference of weather in the mountains compared to sea level about 3,000ft below. At sea level the snow is gone, but up here it’s still thick snow and postage alerts for avalanches.

Weather Conditions of Each Month in Spring

March – Still lots of snow and winter activities happening all over Hatcher Pass. Lower elevation areas, like the Gold Mint Trail and lodge, may be closed off if from extreme snow or avalanche threats. Despite potential road closures, the Skeetawk Ski area should be operating. As well as snowboarding and snowmobiling excursions. Because of dark skies this time of year, it’s a good time to try chasing the Northern Lights. Temperatures are usually a high of 20s to 30s.

April – Snowpack is still deep, especially at higher elevations. The main road may still get closed off from avalanche threats. Winter activities are still going throughout the month and until snow has melted down too much. Temperatures are usually a high of 30s to 40s.

May – Snow is really beginning to melt now. The main road should be open all the way to the lodge with a low risk of being closed off as the month progresses. Winter activities are going to be ending as the snow melts away. Large masses of snow may still be present around the lodge, but lower elevations should mostly be melted by the end of the month. Lower elevations will be soggy and wet, but that also means the waterfalls, creeks, and rivers will be flowing strong! Temperatures are usually a high of 40s to 50s.

Hatcher Pass Lodge Conditions (~3,000ft)

This particular year, the snow hadn’t began melting slightly as early as it usually does. There were melted patches, but still significant snow coverage that got deep in some spots. This was a laidback shoot, so we didn’t come equipped with winter gear to navigate far from the maintained areas. The roads were plowed and there were worn trails in the snow leading to the cabins and lodge, making it easier to traverse. If this had been March or April, there would have been a much more significant amount of snow and likely some temporary main road closures here and there.

Gold Mint Trail Conditions (~1800ft)

We went down the Gold Mint trail to get some views of the mountains at a close camp site. The snow was mostly melted down at this elevation and had gorgeous views of snow-capped mountains surrounding us. Given that this area was mostly melted, it was wet and muddy. Something to keep in mind about eloping during snowmelt. You have to be willing to embrace the mess of the season! But one of the biggest pros about the melt, the creeks and waterfalls are beginning to flow like CRAZY. If it had been March or April while we traversed this, snow would’ve still been present and there could have possibly been main road closures in the early part of the season.

Why Couples Choose to Elope at Hatcher Pass in the Spring

Eloping at Hatcher Pass in the spring is a vibe of it’s own, and comes with perks. It’s much more quiet and intimate this time of year with less crowds. It’s not too hot or miserable cold. Things are more traversable than they were during the winter, and you get to still enjoy those snowy winter wonderland views.

Less visitors – The summer is the busiest time for Hatcher Pass, so you can expect less crowds and an easier time parking when you visit in the spring. Giving you a less stressful, and more private experience.

Winter views without the bitter cold – Depending on your tolerance, it can still be pretty cold this high in the mountains in Spring, but it’s not going to be the miserable negative temps you’ll see in the peak of Winter. If you love snow but want to be more comfortable, this is a great time to consider eloping.

More Traversable conditions – Main road closures decrease in odds as the season progresses, so you can take your vehicle up the pass to areas like the lodge. Lower elevations won’t have much to any snow left by the end of the season so foot travel is doable, and the higher areas like the lodge will be melting so it’s not impossible, you may just want good snow shoes/boots if you plan on going far from the maintained areas close to the road.

Winter activities – If you plan early enough in the season, like March, winter activities will still be happening all across the pass. Snowboarding, skiing, skating, and snowmobiling are some of the popular options.

Is a Spring Hatcher Pass Elopement Right for You?

If you want something with a bit more privacy than the heavy crowds of summer, a moody winter landscape, and you’re comfortable in cooler temperatures, then a spring elopement in the pass could absolutely be a good fit for you! It’s such a unique experience from the other seasons of the year – which often can be heavy in crowds or miserable cold. This drastic change in landscape adds an extra layer of adventure to Hatcher Pass, without the hard work. Everyone visiting Alaska should see the pass under snow at least once – but eloping here is an incredible experience you can choose to take. If you want memorable and different, this should be on the table for you to consider.

Planning an Elopement at Hatcher Pass

For an extensive breakdown of permits, planning tips, timelines, and more, read my Hatcher Pass Elopement Guide.

Your Photographer For a Hatcher Pass Elopement

It’s beneficial to you to find a photographer that’s been to Hatcher Pass. An expert familiar with the area can help you navigate the space and educate you on all the ins and outs of each season. They will know the best time of year to elope here within your wants and needs, and help you prepare for your adventure. Reach out and let’s chat about your dream plans at Hatcher Pass!