🪙 Crow Creek Gold Mine: Mining History in the Chugach Mountains

Nestled in the lush Chugach Mountains, just 35 miles south of Anchorage, Crow Creek Gold Mine offers an immersive journey into Alaska’s gold rush era—complete with original cabins, vintage mining equipment, and on‑site gold panning. It’s one of the state’s oldest and most authentic hydraulic placer mines

Visitors can meander through eight original buildings—including the commissary, blacksmith shop, bunkhouse, and tool shed—some of which date from the original 1898–1906 operation, now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mine features an outdoor‑museum feel, with antique tools scattered across grassy grounds and tranquil flower beds mingling with towering spruce and mountain backdrops.

Prospect Like a Pioneer

• Gold Panning is offered daily during the season—equipment, teaching, and a pay‑dirt packet guaranteed to contain actual gold are included. Participants often find real flakes in their pans

• For more seasoned pros, sluice box rentals are available to test deeper claim sections .

• Guided prospector tours include a two‑hour walk through the grounds, stories from mining history, and gold panning instruction led by knowledgeable local staff.

Events, Camping & More

• Every Monday evening from June to August, the mine hosts a Salmon Bake—a festive spread of cedar‑plank sockeye, pulled pork, reindeer hot dogs, live acoustic music, and BYOB camaraderie.

• Rustic camping and cozy forest cabins are available May through September. Campers enjoy proximity to trails like the Winner Creek Trail and Crow Pass hiking routes. Dogs are welcome, and quiet hours help preserve the tranquil environment.

  
  

• Open seasonally: mid‑May through mid‑September, daily from 10 am - 6 pm

  
  

Crow Creek strikes a rare balance between functional mining operations, historic preservation, and visitor engagement. It remains a working placer claim—many say potentially half the original gold deposit is still in the earth, meaning every visitor steps onto a live mining operation.

Whether you’re a history lover tracing Alaska’s gold‑rush roots, an adventure seeker hoping to find your own flecks in a pan, or someone chasing sunset photos in blooming gardens with rugged mountains behind, Crow Creek Mine delivers.

Less crowded than classic tour stops, nestled within beautiful wilderness, and rich with story—this is authentic Alaska, where gold, grit, and grace still converge.

Come with us at Alternative Alaska Adventures and experience this living piece of history for yourself. We’ll take care of the transportation and share stories along the way—just bring your curiosity (and maybe a little gold fever)!

Reservations