🏆 Chugach Mountain Lake — Alpine lake at Thompson Pass with spectacular mountain scenery on the Richardson Highway
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site sits at 1,500 feet elevation along the Richardson Highway near Thompson Pass — one of Alaska’s most scenic mountain passes. The small alpine lake offers fishing for rainbow trout and Arctic grayling surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Chugach Mountains. In winter, the Thompson Pass area receives enormous snowfall (up to 80 feet annually), making it a legendary backcountry skiing destination.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Thompson Pass, Richardson Highway, AK |
| Elevation | ~1,500 feet |
| Entry Fee | $5 parking |
| Fishing | Rainbow trout, Arctic grayling |
| Winter Snow | Up to 80 ft/year! |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the road open?
The Richardson Highway is open year-round, but the recreation site facilities are typically open May–September. Winter access is possible but conditions can be extreme.
Can I pick blueberries at Blueberry Lake?
Yes — berry picking is allowed on Alaska public lands. Wild Alaska blueberries are smaller but more intensely flavored than commercial varieties. Bring containers and watch for bears — they love blueberries too.
Is the road to Blueberry Lake paved?
Yes — the Richardson Highway (Route 4) is paved. It connects Valdez to Fairbanks and is one of Alaska’s most dramatic drives.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site (a short drive away) or Jack Bay State Marine Park (within about an hour’s drive).
Camping reservations: Book campsites and cabins for Alaska state parks online at alaskastateparks.reserveamerica.com.
🏔️ Visit Blueberry Lake SRS
Alpine lake at Thompson Pass — Chugach Mountain fishing and North America’s snowiest pass.
About Blueberry Lake
Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site sits at mile 24 of the Richardson Highway near Valdez — surrounded by the dramatic Chugach Mountains and glacial valleys. The small alpine lake is stocked with trout and set in a stunning mountain cirque. Wild blueberries carpet the hillsides in late summer, giving the lake its name.
Things to Do
Fishing for stocked rainbow trout, camping (10 sites), blueberry picking (August), photography of the Chugach Mountain scenery, and hiking in the surrounding alpine terrain. The Richardson Highway drive itself is spectacularly scenic.
Insider Tips
Thompson Pass beauty: Blueberry Lake sits near Thompson Pass on the Richardson Highway — one of Alaska’s most scenic drives. Pro tip: Worthington Glacier (10 minutes away) is one of the most accessible glaciers in Alaska — walk right up to the ice. Berry season: True to its name, wild blueberries ripen in late July-August around the lake.
Best Time to Visit
Late July-August: Blueberry season and wildflower bloom at elevation. Summer: Fishing, hiking, and glacier viewing. Winter: Thompson Pass receives 500+ inches of snow annually — one of the snowiest places in Alaska. Backcountry skiing and heli-skiing territory. Fall: Tundra turns crimson and gold.
Wildlife & Nature
Blueberry Lake SRS — at Thompson Pass — one of the snowiest places in North America (record 81 feet in a single season). The site’s alpine lake, tundra, and mountains support mountain goats, marmots, and ptarmigan.
Nearby Attractions
Valdez — 10 miles south. Thompson Pass — at the site. Worthington Glacier — 3 miles east.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash not exceeding 9 feet required in developed facilities (campgrounds, picnic areas, trailheads, swim beaches, boat ramps).
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- No statewide pet ban on beaches; swim beaches count as developed facilities where the 9-foot leash rule applies.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- In the backcountry leashes are not required but pets must remain under voice control; in trapping areas (e.g. Chena River SRA) leashing is strongly advised for dog safety.
Are dogs allowed at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site?
Pets are welcome in Alaska State Parks and campgrounds when leashed and accompanied by the owner; unleashed dogs are allowed in the backcountry if under voice control. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.alaska.gov. More: Alaska state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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