TrailMates & Alaska State Parks Connect Outdoor Adventuring

Sara Burda
Jul 30
3 min read

From scavenger cards to lake dips, TrailMates joined Alaska State Parks for a family-friendly day in Hatcher Pass! Catch the highlights of our Gold Cord Lake hike and community event at Independence Mine.

Two smiling people stand by a table with a "Explore Together" banner, set against a mountainous backdrop and rustic buildings.

Bingo, Buddies & Sunshine Vibes

At the Families to Parks event, TrailMates founder Megan and Kayla (@granola__me) brought the good vibes from our TrailMates booth, where we passed out Connection Bingo cards—designed to spark conversations, encourage curiosity, and help families make fast trail friends. It was awesome to see both kids and grown-ups getting into it!

The whole event felt like a sunny outdoor block party. We loved linking up with other nature-loving groups like @salmonberrytours, @reveltreksandtours, and @skeetawkak. Whether you were snacking, collecting stickers, or just lounging on the grass with your family, the energy was light, welcoming, and full of connection.

People hula hooping on a sunny day near a small building with mountains in the background. A blue tent is visible. Mood is lively and fun.

“Days like this remind us how powerful community really is,” Megan shared. “The outdoors is for everyone—and seeing so many families here today made that so clear.”

A Community Day in the Mountains

Group of people and dogs posing by Gold Cord Lake, surrounded by snowy mountains under a cloudy sky. Text reads "Gold Cord Lake."

We wrapped up July with an unforgettable day of sunshine, families, and fun at Hatcher Pass. First up was the Families to Parks event hosted by Alaska State Parks at Independence Mine—TrailMates was honored to be part of it! The day wrapped with a beautiful group hike up to Gold Cord Lake, where kids (and a few brave adults!) dipped into the icy waters and laughter echoed through the valley.

Gold Cord Lake: A Trail for Everyone

After the event, the TrailMates crew laced up their boots for a short but stunning group hike up to Gold Cord Lake. At just under 1.5 miles round trip, the trail offered the perfect mix of adventure and accessibility—especially for families with young kids or newer hikers.

Three people in colorful jackets pose with peace signs by an icy lake, mountains in the background, conveying joy and adventure.

“We’re not just about hiking—we’re about helping people feel like they belong outside. There’s no ‘too late’ to start exploring.”

Surrounded by wildflowers, rocky switchbacks, and sweeping mountain views, the group made their way up toward the vibrant turquoise waters of Gold Cord Lake. For one family, this was their first time exploring Hatcher Pass—despite having lived in Alaska for years!

TrailMates Go Toe-Dip to Full Send

Smiling woman swims with dog in a lake, surrounded by icy banks. The mood is joyful and adventurous.

Once we hit the lake, it didn’t take long for the fun to kick off. Some sprawled out on warm rocks, others splashed around the shoreline—and then one girl and her dog full-on dove in. The crowd went wild with cheers, laughs, and a whole lot of “NO WAY I’m doing that…but respect!”

The best part? No pressure, just good vibes. Whether you were cannonballing in, skipping rocks, or snapping pics from dry ground, everyone was part of the moment. This is TrailMates: show up as you are, jump in (or don’t), and enjoy the ride with a crew that’s here for it all.

Why Events Like These Matter

This hike wasn’t just about the distance (though we love a good summit). It was about what happens between the miles:

Kids high-fiving new trail buddies
Parents sharing gear tips
Families discovering a new place together

The outdoors offers more than fresh air—it offers a reset. A reminder. A chance to connect with yourself, your people, and the world around you.

TrailMates exists to make these kinds of moments possible—not just for seasoned hikers but for anyone craving connection, community, and the joy of exploring Alaska together.

Ready to Hit the Trail?

Whether you’re brand new to hiking or just looking for a way to connect with others, TrailMates is here for it. We host regular hikes, community events, and online conversations designed to help you get outside and feel at home while doing it.

💚 Join us for future TrailMates adventures—visit our events page to RSVP and see what’s coming up next.

Want to Support the Movement?

If you’d like to help us keep building an inclusive, connected hiking community in Alaska, consider making a small donation to TrailMates. Every bit helps us create events like this one!