Leaving Rufus Creek, we drove southwest on the Tok cutoff experiencing many beautiful views on the way. Turning south then on the Richardson highway after the Tok ended, we journeyed onward to Thompson Pass. I had no real destination in mind, we were just winging it on where we would stop for the night. Here are some of the sights we experienced.
Thompson Pass Views
It is so beautiful, how do you take it all in?
There is a lot of gold rush history here. Stampeders were mislead about the “All American” route to the Klondike. They took a ship from Seattle to Valdez (30 days), found no wharf or services, and then had to hike up the Valdez glacier and over this pass with their years supply (2000 lbs) of goods (20 trips up and down the Valdez glacier), then cross the Copper River area. Then they were still a long way from the Klondike. It generally turned out to be very disappointing adventure for those that followed this route although some gold was found, not the riches expected.
Blueberry Lake Campground
Remember that nagging feeling I had in Rufus Creek. I’m pretty sure this is why. I found this fantastically beautiful campground just beyond Thompson pass in the Alpine area. COVID has changed many campground policies to allow reservations where it used to be FCFS. I was able to find a site (last one) for two nights in between other reservations. It allowed me to just sit and absorb the beauty.
I have to confess, there is indeed a small lake. I did not take a picture of it, as it was not the lake that was my attraction. This is where I learned about Dolly Varden, however as I asked some fisherman. One thing I’ve learned about Alaska…it’s all about the fishing here.
Update 6/28/22
I stopped on the way back….here is Blueberry Lake.
So many stunningly beautiful sites Karen! I don’t know how you take it all in and move on. Enjoy your next adventure!
It is hard to move on sometimes, Ellen. Each area is so uniquely beautiful though and I want to see what I can see while I’m here. One very interesting thing about Alaska is that there are very few roads; and thus so much of the state is only accessible by flying into it.
What a fabulous trip you are having. I’m intensely jealous!
Gilann you will be here soon, right? Can’t wait for you to take your trip and let us know what you think! Alaska and the trip through Canada is really an adventure of a lifetime!
The mountains are beautiful! Very hard to image hiking them with all your gear as a gold miner!
I totally agree, Sue. I can’t imagine either.
This is so cool! Love it!!
Thanks, Gaye! It’s been amazing!