Thompson Pass stands as a gateway to some of Alaska’s wildest, least tamed landscapes—where rugged trails meet ancient glaciers and mountain summits daringly greet the sky. East of Valdez, this corridor of wilderness offers an array of hikes that challenge both the body and spirit, rewarding every step with crisp alpine air, the resolute roar of rivers, and expansive views that refuse to soften under typical grandeur.

Start at Worthington Glacier State Recreation Site. The short, 1.5-mile round trip trail gains about 400 feet in elevation and leads to a viewpoint where the glacier looms like a living beast—cold, slow-moving, relentless. The terrain here is well-defined gravel paths with occasional slick rock, so sturdy, waterproof boots are advised. The glacier's ice shifts imperceptibly, pressing forward like a giant breathing shadow of the past.

For a lengthier test of endurance, try the Lough Pass Trail. Stretching nearly 6 miles one way with an elevation climb of around 2,000 feet, this route threads through dense spruce stands where sunlight flickers and the smell of moist pine saturates every breath. The trail roughens in spots, with loose shale and rugged root networks demanding careful foot placement. At Lough Pass’s summit, panoramic views of the surrounding Chugach peaks drape across the horizon, glaciers spilling like spilled silver into valleys below.

Further east lies the expansive Solomon Gulch area, home to less frequented paths winding through alpine meadows and rushing creeks eager to trip hikers if not watched closely. Here, hikes range from moderate 3-5 mile loops to longer backcountry wanders, where the environment tests your readiness with sudden weather shifts and slippery moss-covered stones.

Plan your hikes for mid-June through early September when weather stabilizes, trail conditions improve, and insect life is more manageable. However, keep rain gear handy—Alaska’s weather signals nothing beforehand, its clouds and wind as changeable as the glaciers themselves.

Hydration is vital as the terrain and elevation demand consistent energy. Carry at least 2 liters of water per person and a filter or purifier if you intend to source creek water. Remember, even the sunniest days can turn cold quickly at higher elevations; layering with moisture-wicking fabrics and an insulated shell will keep chills at bay without stifling mobility.

Footwear should be durable, waterproof, and broken in. The trails test grip on wet rocks and slippery roots, and you’ll want ankle support for the steeper ascents. Trail maps and a compass or GPS device help navigate sections where signage fades amid the wilderness.

Every hike here is an exchange—a give-and-take with terrain that is fiercely itself. Respect the glaciers’ slow march and the tenacity of the weather, and these trails will return your effort with memories built on real connection rather than illusion. The peaks and ice fields don’t ask to be conquered. They insist on being witnessed, respected, and well prepared for, promising adventure that rewards those ready to meet the raw edges of Alaska’s grandeur.