Overview
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is a stunning campground located in the heart of Alaska’s rugged wilderness. This campground is special due to its unique setting, surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, offering breathtaking scenery and unparalleled opportunities for outdoor adventure. The Worthington Glacier, a 4-mile-long glacier, is the main attraction, and visitors can hike to the glacier’s toe or take a guided tour to explore its icy surface. The campground’s unique features include its proximity to the glacier, as well as its location along the Thompson Pass, which offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The campground is situated in a scenic valley, surrounded by alpine meadows and towering peaks, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, and visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding area.
Location & Directions
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is located at GPS coordinates 61.1667° N, 145.7333° W, near mile marker 28 on the Richardson Highway. To get to the campground from Valdez, take the Richardson Highway north for approximately 28 miles. The road is paved and well-maintained, but be aware that it can be narrow and winding in some areas. The driving distance from Valdez is approximately 30 miles, and the drive should take around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on road conditions.
It’s essential to note that the road to the campground can be closed due to snow and ice during the winter months, typically from October to May. Be sure to check the current road conditions before heading out, and consider renting a 4WD vehicle if you plan to visit during the winter.
Campground Details
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site campground has 15 campsites, including 5 tent-only sites, 5 RV sites with electric hookups, and 5 walk-in sites. The maximum RV length is 40 feet, and the campground has a dump station and potable water available. The current fee for camping is $20 per night, and reservations can be made through reserveamerica.com or by calling (800) 952-8624.
Check-in time is 2 pm, and check-out time is 12 pm. The campground is open from May 15 to September 15, and it’s essential to note that the campground can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Be sure to plan ahead and make reservations well in advance to ensure a spot.
The campground also has a day-use area with picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, making it an ideal spot for a day trip or a picnic with family and friends.
Campsite Types
- Tent-only sites: 5 sites available, $15 per night
- RV sites with electric hookups: 5 sites available, $20 per night
- Walk-in sites: 5 sites available, $10 per night
Facilities & Amenities
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site campground has a range of facilities and amenities to make your stay comfortable and enjoyable. The campground has potable water available at the campground’s water station, as well as a hand pump for filling up water containers. The restrooms are vault-style, but they are well-maintained and clean.
Each campsite has a fire ring and a picnic table, and firewood is available for purchase at the campground’s entrance station. There are also bear boxes available at each campsite to store food and other scented items. The campground has a boat launch, but it’s essential to note that the lake is glacier-fed, and the water can be cold and turbulent.
The campground also has a dump station, and RVers can dispose of their waste and refill their water tanks. The campground does not have a laundry facility or showers, but there are several options available in Valdez, including the Valdez Laundry and the Valdez RV Park.
Facilities and Amenities List
- Potable water
- Hand pump
- Vault-style restrooms
- Fire rings
- Picnic tables
- Bear boxes
- Boat launch
- Dump station
- Firewood available for purchase
Hiking & Activities Nearby
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of hiking trails, including the Worthington Glacier Trail, which takes you to the toe of the glacier. The trail is approximately 1.5 miles long and takes around 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the condition of the trail.
Other nearby trails include the Thompson Pass Trail, which takes you to the top of Thompson Pass, and the Blueberry Lake Trail, which takes you to a scenic lake surrounded by alpine meadows. The area is also home to several fishing spots, including the Worthington Glacier Lake and the Thompson River.
Visitors can also enjoy boating, kayaking, or canoeing on the nearby lakes and rivers, or take a guided tour to explore the surrounding wilderness. The area is also known for its abundant wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles, and visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing opportunities in the surrounding area.
Nearby Trails
- Worthington Glacier Trail: 1.5 miles, 2-3 hours
- Thompson Pass Trail: 2 miles, 3-4 hours
- Blueberry Lake Trail: 3 miles, 4-5 hours
Fishing Opportunities
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is surrounded by a range of fishing spots, including the Worthington Glacier Lake and the Thompson River. The lake is home to a variety of fish species, including trout, grayling, and char, and visitors can enjoy fishing from the shore or by boat.
The Thompson River is also home to a variety of fish species, including salmon, trout, and grayling, and visitors can enjoy fishing from the shore or by wading. Be sure to check the current fishing regulations before you head out, and consider hiring a guide or taking a fishing tour to increase your chances of catching fish.
The best techniques for fishing in the area include fly fishing, spin casting, and trolling, and visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions and water levels. It’s also essential to practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve the area’s fish populations.
Fishing Regulations
- Check the current fishing regulations before you head out
- Obtain a valid Alaska fishing license
- Practice catch-and-release fishing to help conserve the area’s fish populations
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is from May 15 to September 15, when the weather is warm and the days are long. The peak season is from June to August, when the wildflowers are in bloom and the wildlife is most active.
Visitors should be prepared for changing weather conditions, including rain, wind, and snow, and should pack layers and waterproof gear. The area is also known for its mosquito population, and visitors should bring insect repellent and take necessary precautions to avoid bug bites.
To avoid the crowds, consider visiting during the shoulder season, from May to June or September to October. The weather can be cooler and more unpredictable during these times, but the scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities are still excellent.
Weather Patterns
- May: Cool and rainy, with average highs in the 50s
- June: Warm and sunny, with average highs in the 70s
- July: Warm and dry, with average highs in the 80s
- August: Cool and rainy, with average highs in the 60s
- September: Cool and windy, with average highs in the 50s
Wildlife & Bear Safety
The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including bears, moose, and eagles. Visitors should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters with wildlife.
Bears are common in the area, and visitors should be prepared for encounters with black bears, brown bears, and grizzly bears. Be sure to store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers, and keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife.
Visitors should also be aware of moose, which can be aggressive during mating season or when they feel threatened. Keep a safe distance and avoid approaching moose, and be prepared for encounters with other wildlife, including eagles and wolves.
In the event of a bear encounter, remain calm and follow these steps:
- Stay calm and speak in a calm voice
- Give the bear plenty of space and avoid approaching it
- Avoid eye contact and do not run
- Use bear spray if the bear approaches you
Bear Safety Tips
- Store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers
- Keep a clean campsite to avoid attracting wildlife
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears
- Carry bear spray and know how to use it
What to Bring
When visiting the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site, be sure to bring the following essential gear:
- Hiking boots and layers for changing weather conditions
- Rain gear and waterproof clothing
- Insect repellent and bug netting
- Bear spray and a first aid kit
- Food and water, as well as a water filter or purification tablets
- A map and compass, as well as a GPS device or smartphone with GPS capabilities
- A camera and binoculars for wildlife viewing and scenery
It’s also essential to bring a portable stove or camping grill, as well as cooking gear and utensils. Be sure to follow the campground’s firewood policy and only use firewood that is purchased from the campground or collected from the surrounding area.
Firewood Policy
- Only use firewood that is purchased from the campground or collected from the surrounding area
- Avoid bringing firewood from other areas to prevent the spread of invasive species
- Follow the campground’s fire restrictions and burn bans
Nearby Attractions & Towns
The nearest town to the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is Valdez, which is located approximately 30 miles away. Valdez has a range of amenities, including restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor gear stores.
Other nearby attractions include the Valdez Glacier Lake, the Thompson Pass, and the Blueberry Lake Trail. Visitors can also take a day trip to the nearby town of Cordova, which is known for its scenic coastline and wildlife viewing opportunities.
There are several other campgrounds in the area, including the Valdez RV Park and the Blueberry Lake Campground. Be sure to check the current availability and rates before heading out, and consider making reservations in advance to ensure a spot.
Nearby Towns and Attractions
- Valdez: 30 miles away, amenities include restaurants, gas stations, and outdoor gear stores
- Valdez Glacier Lake: 20 miles away, scenic lake with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Thompson Pass: 15 miles away, scenic pass with hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Blueberry Lake Trail: 10 miles away, scenic trail with hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities
- Cordova: 60 miles away, scenic coastline and wildlife viewing opportunities
Tips from Experienced Campers
Experienced campers recommend the following tips for visiting the Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site:
- Arrive early to secure a campsite, especially during peak season
- Bring layers and waterproof gear to prepare for changing weather conditions
- Make noise while hiking to avoid surprising bears and other wildlife
- Keep a clean campsite and store food and other scented items in bear-proof containers
- Take a guided tour or hire a guide to increase your chances of seeing wildlife and learning about the area’s history and geology
Visitors should also be aware of the campground’s cell service, which can be limited and unreliable. Be sure to check with your carrier before heading out, and consider purchasing a satellite phone or two-way radio to stay in touch with family and friends.
Finally, be sure to take in the stunning scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities, and enjoy the peaceful and serene atmosphere of the campground. The Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site is a truly unique and unforgettable destination, and visitors are sure to leave with lifelong memories of their time in Alaska’s wilderness.