Oh, I was so excited to finally be heading to Valdez, but then a little saddened because it means the trip is nearing its end. Everything I have read spoke of it's beauty; not only in Valdez itself, but the drive thru Thompson Pass ( a 2,800 foot high pass in the Chugach Mountains that boasts snow totals averaging 552 inches a year ) was one not to be missed!
Further south on the Richardson Hwy is America’s Largest National Park. Wrangell-St.Elias National Park and Preserve comprised of an astounding 13.2 million acres. Yes, that’s million. People were active in this region 8000 years ago, with Russians entering the area in the late 1700’s. More history.
Because of its enormity, this park has 6 visitor contact points. The visitor center in Copper Center is the largest- hosting exhibits, a movie, nature trails, plus a book and gift shop. ( Located on a side road at MI 107 ).The friendly and knowledgeable Rangers provided visitors with necessary information whether they are here for an hour, or choose to immerse themselves in the back country of the incredibly varied terrain of this magnificent National Park.
We enjoyed the film, and looked around at the exhibits . Since the day was flying by and our campground was “first come first served” we decided to get going, taking first a short side road to the funky little town of Copper Center.
Alaskans must love their coffee "to go" since we saw very many small coffee shops all over. Perhaps a large part might be the social interaction found at these? This one was particularly cute here in Copper Center.
Worthington Glacier, located at Milepost 28.7 on the Richardson Hwy is a 5,774 acre glacier valley located adjacent to Thompson Pass. It is one of a few glaciers remaining that is still accessible by paved road. As we drove south toward it, we stopped at most of the rest stops to take pictures – each offering a view more stunning than the last!
This has to be Worthington Glacier that can be accessed so close to the road!
Can this possibly get more beautiful?
Clouds tend to develop over the snow
This is incredible!
While Norm checked out the glacier, I took pictures of this glacier pond.
Norm hiked to the base of Worthington Glacier, choosing one of two trails. Making the decision to take the high trail, Norm later could see that he missed the cave and stream coming out of the glacier, accessed from the lower trail.
Norm wished to hike up to Worthington Glacier, but since we were taking a paid, guided glacier hike a few days from now, I personally didn’t want to spoil the wonder of it. While Norm was gone, I decided to work on prepping supper which I knew would be very late tonight.
When bugs met their untimely deaths against our windshield, Norm would stop and clean it so we could enjoy the view and take pictures that aren't blotted with splattered bugs. Thanks, Norm!
A little more than an hour later we were heading south once again. I came to what would be one of my favorite vistas, a hidden gem surprisingly discovered at a “viewpoint” parking lot.
As I stood looking out at a valley far below, I spotted a small path leading down, then sharply up to stone outcroppings. It looked like one of the places photographed so often on websites, so we just had to go! We bundled up against the cold winds, and ignored the lateness of the day (hey- it doesn’t get dark, so what’s the worry?) We got our hiking poles, and began carefully picking our way down the trail. It was steep, rocky, and just a little bit dangerous - our favorite recipe for a great hike!
Oh, the view must be even better up here! Thank goodness for these poles!
Alison drinking in the scenery....
This place is one of those unexpected pleasures in life you find "off the beaten trail". The pictures don't do it justice.
Back in the RV, we finally came to Thompson Pass. My jaw dropped for the next several miles as I marveled at the Chugach Mountains shooting straight up from the road and stretching forever!
A 2:31 video I took while driving the Keystone Canyon
Thompson Pass, beginning at MI 26, due to its massive snow totals (974 inches in 1953) makes it one of the most sought-after helicopter skiing meccas on the planet! Avalanches abound here though, and several lives are unfortunately lost each year.
Clips within my above video of Thompsons Pass. The Chugach Mountains are the tallest coastal mountains in North America - rising from sea level 7000 ft. These impressive mountains surrounded us during most of our trip.
Before I knew it, we were unfortunately through the Pass. I wished we could go back and do it again, but I know Norm enough not to bother even asking for a repeat – especially since we will be coming north on this road in a few more days. Hopefully the sun will be at a better angle then, but I doubt any photograph could possibly give these mountains justice anyway.
Bridal Veil Falls is yet another visual feast as one drives 3 miles through the Keystone Canyon section of the Thompson Pass. Seen from the roadside at Mile Marker 13.5, it can be enjoyed by all.
Finally approaching Valdez, we encountered our first traffic delay due to construction. We patiently waited in the motorhome for about 45 minutes while having a snack and a cold drink.
It took dozens of calls and emails to get this campsite at Bear Paw II in Valdez, but it was worth it!
We will be staying in Valdez at the coveted Bear Paw II for 4 nights over the 4th of July weekend. I called and emailed this campground at least 3 times a week over the past 7 months and finally they answered the phone in the middle of May so I could make these reservations! I was about to give up and make the reservations somewhere else, but it was worth the effort! Our sites were directly on the waterfront and its adult-only ruling made for a much quieter stay. This place is definitely the place to base your visit, but it should never be this hard to make a reservation!
