The Independence Mine in Hatcher Pass is described as a haunted location with paranormal experiences, including unexplained footsteps, disappearing figures seen by tour guides, the smell of cigar smoke, and a pervasive feeling of being watched, which some believe are the spirits of former miners still inhabiting the abandoned buildings. Visitors report hearing disembodied footsteps, either following them or echoing in empty rooms. Guides have seen men in the buildings who then vanish, and some visitors experience a persistent feeling of being watched. The lingering scent of cigar smoke, a common habit of the miners from that era, has also been reported by visitors. Many of these experiences are attributed to the spirits of the miners who worked in the mine and may still be connected to the site. Independence Mine was one of Alaska's largest gold mining operations from 1938 to 1951 and is now a State Historical Park. The site features preserved buildings, machinery, and offers interpretive tours, allowing visitors to explore the history of the miners' lives. The area around the mine is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, including skiing and berry picking, alongside its historical significance.