Blueberry Lake Trail

The feel

An easy loop through alpine tundra at Blueberry Lake State Recreation Site in Thompson Pass, 24 miles north of Valdez. The site is known for wild blueberries in season, and the campground has spectacular 360-degree mountain views.

The high alpine lake offers excellent grayling fishing, and the site has 25 picnic sites and 4 picnic shelters. It is reached by a 1 mile side road from Mile 25 of the Richardson Highway.

What to expect

Route and terrain

Loop, 2.7 miles with about 223 ft of gain, easy, through alpine tundra.

Time

About 1 hour.

Fees and passes

Day use is $5/day. Campsites are $25.00 a night, plus any reservation and processing fee.

Kids

Rated easy.

Cell signal

Usually no phone service and no wifi.

Bathrooms and water

Two vault toilets and a small handpump for water.

Season and access

The park closes September 30.

Mingo says

Come in berry season for the wild blueberries that grow across this tundra. Plan your trip before September 30, when the park closes.

Before you go

• Pay the $5/day day use fee.
• Campsites are $25.00 a night, plus any reservation and processing fee.
• Reservations can be booked June 17 to September 20.
• Fill bottles at the small handpump for water.

Written October 2026. Sources are listed at the end of this page.